-•  ^'/Y>?nya/ff  '/T^^atma/ r^^'^///A ///  //{/ 


^^t/O^*" 


^ 


(JOM-.HXOR     OP^   .VLXSSACHUSETTS. 


LIFE  AND  LETTERS 


OF 


JOHN     WINTHROP, 


GOVERNOR    OF    THE    MASSACHUSETTS-BAY    COMPANY 
AT   THEIR  EMIGRATION  TO  NEW  ENGLAND, 

16  3  0. 


EGBERT   C.   WINTHROP. 


BOSTON: 

TICKNOR    AND     FIELDS. 

1^64. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1863,  by 

ROBEET  c.  wintheop, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


BOSTON 

STEREOTYPED   BY   JOHN"  WILSON  AND    SON, 

No.  6,  Water  Street. 


University  Press,  Cambridge : 
Printed  by  Welch,  Bigelow,  and  Company. 


LIFE   AND   LETTERS 


JOHN     W  I  N  T  H  R  0  P. 


1588  —  1630. 


PEEFATOEY    NOTE. 


There  is  nothing  in  this  volume  which  calls  for  any  other 
preface  than  that  which  is  supplied  in  the  Introductory  Chap- 
ter ;  but  I  am  unwilling  that  it  should  go  forth  without  a  word 
of  grateful  acknoAvledgment  to  my  valued  friends,  the  Eev. 
Chandler  Eobbixs,  D.  D.,  and  Charles  Deane,  Esq., 
A.M.,  for  the  aid  they  have  given  me  in  preparing  it  for  the 
press. 

I  have  also  been  indebted  to  Charles  Francis  Winthrop, 
Esq.,  of  New  York,  to  H.  G.  Sojierby,  Esq.,  and  to  W. 
H.  Whitiviore,  Esq.,  for  papers  and  references;  and  to  Dr. 
John  Appleton,  the  Assistant  Librarian  of  the  Massachusetts 
Historical  Society,  for  the  preparation  of  the  autographs  and 
seals  in  the  Appendix. 

Nor  could  I  pardon  myself  for  omitting  the  name  of  the  late 
Francis  B.  Winthrop,  of  New  London,  from  whom  many 
of  the  most  interesting  materials  of  the  volume  were  procured ; 
and  who  has  since  fallen  a  victim  to  disease  contracted  while 
he  was  serving  as  a  volunteer  in  the  army  of  the  American 
Union. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Page 
Portrait  of  Governor  Winthrop Frontispiece. 

Groton  Church,  with  the  Winthrop  Tomb 4 

Portrait  of  Adam  Winthrop,  the  Grandfather  of  the 

Governor 20 

Autographs  and  Seals 441 


TO    THE 


MASSACHUSETTS   HISTORICAL   SOCIETY, 


WHO     HAVE     IIOXORED     HE     WITH     THEIE     PRESIDENCY     FOE     EIGHT     YEARS     PAST, 


Cl^is  jB'joIumi 


IS       KESPECTFULLY      INSCRIBED. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   I. 


Page 


Introductory.  Groton  in  Suffolk  County,  England.  The  Church, 
with  the  Inscription  on  the  Winthrop  Tomb.  Circumstances 
under  which  this  Volume  was  undertaken  and  completed.      .         1 

CHAPTER   II. 

Early  History  of  the  Winthrop  Family.  Cotton  Mather's  Ac- 
count of  it.  The  first  Adam  "Winthrop.  The  second  Adam 
Winthi-op,  1498.  His  Marriages,  Children,  and  Personal 
Career.  Master  of  the  Cloth-workers'  Company,  1551. 
Grant  of  Groton  Manor  to  him.  Certificate  of  Arms. 
Errors  of  an  old  Pedigree 10 

CHAPTER  III. 

Adam  Winthrop,  the  third.  His  Birth  and  Personal  Career.  His 
Poetiy,  Diary,  and  Almanacs.  Auditor  of  Trinity  College, 
Cambridge,  and  of  St.  John's.  His  Copy  of  the  Perambula- 
tion of  Kent.  His  Commonplace  Book.  Correspondence 
between  him  and  the  Lady  JSIildmay.  His  Family.  Letter 
from  his  Wife 25 

CHAPTER  IV. 

"John  Winthrop,  the  Subject  of  this  Volume.  His  Birth  and  Early 
Years.  His  Education.  A  Student  at  Trinity  College,  Cam- 
bridge. His  Marriage,  Children,  and  the  Death  of  his  Wife. 
His  Christian  Experiences 52 


X  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  V. 

PAC4B 

Second  Marriage.  The  Clopton  Family.  Death  of  his  second 
Wife.  His  Description  of  the  Event  and  its  Incidents.  His 
Account  of  her  Character 75 

CHAPTER   VI. 
Religious  Experiences  and  Confessions 90 

CHAPTER   Vn. 

Third  Marriage.  The  Murder  of  Sir  John  Tyndal,  and  Lord 
Bacon's  Account  of  it.  Letter  of  Arthur  Tyndah  Letters 
of  Adam  Winthrop  and  John  Winthrop  to  Margaret  Tyndal. 
Her  Character.  Letters  of  Rev.  Ezekiel  Culverwell,  Deane 
Tyndal,  and  the  Lady  Mildmay.  Religious  Experiences. 
Birth  of  Children.     Will.     Lord  of  the  Manor 123 

CHAPTER  VHL 

Letters  to  his  Wife,   1620-22.     Letter  to  his  Brother-in-law, 

Thomas  Tones.     Letter  of  Rev.  Henry  Sands 157 

CHAPTER   IX. 

liCtters  to  his  eldest  Son  at  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  1622-1624. 

The  Death  of  his  Father.     Letters  of  his  Son  Forth.  .     .-    .     170 

CHAPTER   X. 

Correspondence  with  his  Wife,  1623-25.     Letter  to .      .     .     192 

CHAPTER  XL 

Letters  to  his  eldest  Son  about  his  Choice  of  a  Profession  and 
Plans  of  Life,  1624-26.  His  own  Professional  Career.  At- 
torney of  the  Court  of  Wards  and  Liveries.  Letters  of  John 
Winthrop,  Jr.,  John  Bowen,  and  Brampton  Gurdon.  Papers 
connected  with  his  Professional  Practice,  and  with  Parlia- 
mentary Proceedings.  His  Service  as  a  Magistrate.  Letter 
of  his  Mother 203 


CONTENTS.  Xi 

CHAPTER   XII. 

Pask 

Correspondence  with  his  Wife,  1G26-7.  Forth  Winthrop's  Let- 
ters to  his  Father  from  Cambridge  University.  liobson  the 
Carrier 22o 

CHAPTER  XIH. 

His  eldest  Son's  Naval  Adventures.  The  Duke  of  Buckingliam's 
Expedition.  Letters  of  Joshua  Downing  and  Rear- Admiral 
Lord  Hervey.  Instructions  for  one  of  the  Ships.  Winthrop's 
Letter  of  Counsel  to  his  Son.  His  Son's  Letter  from  the 
Scene  of  War.  Letters  of  his  Wife.  His  Son  proposes  to  go 
to  New  England  with  Endicott.  Correspondence  with  his 
Son  and  Wife 236 

CHAPTER   XIV. 

His  eldest  Son's  Oriental  Tour,  1628-9,  with  his  Letters  along 
the  Route.  Letters  of  Winthrop,  John  Freeman,  and  Judah 
Throckmorton.     His  Son's  Return,  August,  1629 263 

CHAPTER   XV. 

Winthrop's  serious  Illness,  1628.  Correspondence  with  his  Wife. 
Religious  Experiences.  Letters  to  his  Son  Henry  and  his 
Sister  Fones.  Death  of  his  Mother  and  of  his  Brother-in-law. 
Marriage  of  his  Son  Henry.  Loss  of  his  Office.  Correspond- 
ence with  his  Wife.     Looks  towards  New  England.      .     .     .     279 

CHAPTER  XVL 

Winthrop  decides  for  New  England.  His  eldest  Son's  Letter  ap- 
proving the  Decision.  The  Considerations  and  Conclusions. 
The  Letters  of  Robert  Ryece,  the  Suffolk  Antiquary.  .     .     .     305 

CHAPTER   XVII. 

Correspondence  with  his  Wife  and  Son,  1629.  Winthrop  chosen 
Governor  of  the  Massachusetts  Company.  The  Circum- 
stances and  Character  of  that  Election.  The  Agreement  at 
Cambridge.  Contemporaneous  Testimony  to  the  Importance 
attached  to  Winthrop's  taking  the  Lead  of  the  New-England 
Enterprise. 333 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XVni. 

Pags 
Preparations  for  New  England.     Letters  to  invite  Co-operation. 

Correspondence  with  his  Wife.  Letters  of  Priscilla  Fones, 
Forth  Winthrop,  and  John  Winthrop,  Jr.  More  Correspond- 
ence with  his  Wife 353 

CHAPTER   XIX. 

Winthrop's  last  Visit  to  Groton.  His  Return  to  London  on  his 
Way  to  Southampton.  Farewell  Letters  to  his  Wife,  to  his 
eldest  Son,  and  to  Sir  William  Spring.  His  Embarkation  for 
New  England  with  the  Massachusetts-Bay  Company.  Con- 
cluding Views  of  Winthrop's  Course  and  Character.     .     .     .     377 


Appendix  : 

I.  —  Memoranda  from  the  Diary  of  Adam  Winthrop  .     .     .     405 
n.  —  Memoranda  from  the  Almanacs  of  Adam  Winthrop     .     433 


Autographs  and  Seals 441 

Index 443 


LIFE  AND  LETTERS 


JOHN     WINTHROP. 


CHAPTER    I. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


During  a  brief  visit  to  England  in  the  summer  of  1847, 
I  ran  clo'^^ii  to  Groton,  in  the  county  of  Suffolk,  to  see 
the  old  home  of  my  ancestors.  It  is  one  of  a  cluster  of 
httle  rural  \illages,  five  in  number,  —  Boxford,  Groton, 
Edwardston,  Great  Waldingfield,  and  Little  Walding- 
field,^  —  which  lie  midway  between  the  larger  towns  of 
Hadleigh  and  Sudbury,  in  the  south-west  corner  of  that 
thriving  agricultural  county.  The  landscape  around  them 
has  no  pecuHar  features  either  of  beauty  or  of  grandeur ; 
but  clothed,  as  it  was,  in  the  matchless  verdiu'e  of  an 
Enghsh  summer,  it  presented  a  picture  of  quiet  love- 
liness which  one  would  not  willingly  have  lost.  They 
are  all  included  in  the  old  Himdred  of  Babergh;  and 
most  of  them  have  been  associated  in  other  ages  with 
some  famous  person,  or  some  celebrated  family,  or 
some    memorable    event,  which   has    saved  them   from 

1  Assington  and  Polstead  might,  perhaps,  have  been  fairly  inclirded  in  the  same 
group. 

1 


2  LITE    ANT>   LETTERS 

being  wholly^  unnoticed  in  the  local  histories  of  Eng- 
land. Thus  we  are  told  by  Camden,  in  his  "  Britannia," 
that  Edwardston  was  "  formerly  inhabited  by  the  honor- 
able lords  Montchensy,  of  whom  Warin  married  the 
daughter  and  heiress  of  that  most  potent  William  Mar- 
shall, Earl  of  Pembroke,  who,  by  marrying  William  de 
Valence,  of  the  family  of  Lusignan,  in  France,  brought 
the  title  of  Pembroke  into  the  family.  This  Warin  de 
Montchensy,"  continues  Camden,  "  was  a  man  of  eminent 
rank  and  fortune,  being  accounted  the  Crassus  of  England 
at  that  time ;  leaving  by  will  upwards  of  two  hundred  thou- 
sand marks."  -^  Great  Waldingfield,  too,  we  learn,  was 
once  the  lordship  of  James  Butler,  Earl  of  Wiltshire, 
and  afterwards  of  the  Earls  of  Essex ;  while,  at  Boxford, 
Queen  Ehzabeth  secured  a  precious  memorial  of  her- 
self by  founding  a  free  grammar-school.  Little  Wald- 
ingfield and  Groton  appear  to  have  been  the  least 
known,  or  certainly  the  least  noted,  of  them  all ;  and 
even  the  name  of  the  latter  would  seem  to  have  disap- 
peared, of  late  years,  from  more  than  one  of  the  Suffolk- 
County  maps,  as  if  the  place  had  lost  any  importance 
which  it  ever  possessed,  and  had  become  too  inconsider- 
able to  be  the  subject  of  particular  designation.  Mean- 
time, it  is  pleasant  to  remember  that  at  least  two  Gro- 
tons  have  grown  up  in  New  England,  —  deriving  their 
name  directly  "from  the  Groton  of  Old  England,  —  which 
have  already  established  no  doubtful  claim  to  an  honor- 
able  mention  by   our  American  Camdens,   and  which 


1  Gough's  Camden,  vol.  ii.  p.  74.    The  British  Crassus  or  Crmsus,  — whichever  Cam- 
den intended  to  call  him, — who  gave  such  celebrity  to  Edwardston,  died  in  1255. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  6 

"vvill  serve  to  keep  the  name  fresh  and  fragrant  on  this 
side  of  the  Athmtic  for  many  generations  to  come.-"^ 

Buf  the  Groton  of  Suffolk  County,  in  Old  England, 
has  by  no  means  yet  lost  its  local  habitation  or  its 
ancient  landmarks.  I  was  there  on  a  Sunday,  and  went 
to  the  parish  chiu'ch  in  which  the  Winthrops  worshipped 
before  they  came  to  America.  The  grand  old  service 
of  prayer  and  praise,  in  which  they  had  united  so  long 
ago  within  the  same  sanctuary,  had  just  commenced 
when  I  entered ;  and  I  could  almost  imagine,  as  I  joined 
in  the  responses,  that  the  venerable  walls  gave  back  an 
echo  of  welcome,  as  to  a  not  unrecognized  voice.  Every 
thing  concurred  in  awakening  the  memory  of  those 
who  had  gone  before  me,  —  the  pulpit  from  which  they 
had  listened  to  preachers  of  their  own  presentation,  the 
font  at  which  so  many  of  them  had  been  baptized, 
the  chancel  around  which  they  had  knelt  to  receive  the 
bread  of  life.  There,  on  the  crowning  pane  of  the  altar 
window^,  was  the  same  Sursum  Cor  da  ^  which  must  have 
lifted  thek  hearts  in  many  an  hour  of  trial  and  trouble. 
There,  in  the  humble  vestry,  was  the  old  parish  regis- 
ter, the  second  entry  on  whose  time-stained  leaves  gave 
the  date  of  the  death  of  the  head  of  the  family  in  1562. 
There,  too,  was  the  tomb  in  which  the  father,  the  grand- 
father, and  possibly  the  great-grandfather,  of  the  first 
emigrant  to  New  England  had  been  successively  buried. 
It  still  bore  the  family  name  and  arms ;  and,  by  a  strik- 


1  Groton  in  Connecticut,  the  scene  of  the  heroic  Ledyard's  death  on  the  6th  of 
September,  1781 ;  and  Groton  in  Massachusetts,  within  -whose  original  limits  were  the 
birthplaces  of  the  Prescotts  and  Lawrences. 

2  The  "  Lift  up  your  Hearts "  of  the  Liturgy.  Taken  from  the  old  Communion 
Service,  as  described  by  St.  Cyril,  Archbishop  of  Jerusalem,  A.D.  325. 


4  LIFE   AKD   LETTERS 

ing  coincidence,  it  had  just  been  repaired,  —  almost  as  if 
in  anticipation  of  the  arrival  of  one  who  might  be  pre- 
sumed to  take  a  peculiar  interest  in  its  conditioh.  It 
was  outside  the  church,  but  close  against  the  walls,  just 
beneath  the  window  which  opened  from  the  rector's 
pew,  in  which  I  sat  during  the  service.  The  inscription 
was  almost 'illegible ;  but  enough  could  be  deciphered 
to  verify  an  ancient  copy,  which  gives  it  as  follows :  — 

"  CCELUM  PATRIA  :    CHRISTUS  VIA. 

HIC  .  JACET  .  CORPUS  .  ADAMI  .  WINTHROP  .  AR  .  FUJI 

ADAJn  .  WINTHROP  .  ARMIGERI  .  QUI  .  HUJUS  .  ECCLESI^ 

PATRONI  .  FUERUNT  .  ET  .  DOMINI  .  MANERII  .  DE  .  GROTON 

PR^DICTUS  .  ADAMUS  .  FILIUS  .  UXOREM  .  DUXIT  .  ANNAM 

FILIAM  .  HENRICI  .  BROWNE  .  DE  .  EDWARDUSTON  .  PER 

QUAM  .  HABXHT  .  UNUM  .  FILIUM  .  ET  .  QUATUOR  .  FILIAS 

HANG  .  VITAM  .  TRAN^SMIGRAVIT  .  ANNO  .  DOMINI  .  1623 

iETATIS  .  SU^  .  75  .  ANNA  .  VERO  .  UXOR  .  EJUS  .  OBUT 

1628  .  HIC  .  QUOQUE  .  CONSEPULTA  .  EST. 

BEATI  .  SUNT  .  PACIFICI  .  NiUVI  .  U  .  DEI  .  FTTTT 

VOCABUNTUR." 

The  family  records  furnish  the  following  translation  :  — 

"HEAVEN  THE  COUNTRY:  CHRIST  THE  WAY. 

Here  lies  the  body  of  Adam  WInthrop,  Esq., 

son  of  Adam  Winthrop,  Esq., 

who  were  Patrons  of  this  Church, 

and  Lords  of  the  Manor  of  Groton. 

The  above-named  Adam,  the  son,  married  Anna,  the  daughter  of  Henry- 
Browne  of  Edwardston,  by  whom  he  had  one  son  and  four  daughters.  He 
departed  this  life  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1623,  and  of  his  own  age  75.  But 
Anna,  his  wife,  died  1628.^     She  also  is  buried  here  with  him. 

Blessed  are  the  peacemakers  ;  for  they  shall  be  called  the 
sons  of  God." 

After  the  service  was  ended,  I  was  directed  to  the  site 
of  the  old  family  mansion.     Not  one  stone  was  left  upon 

1  It  should  have  been  1629,  as  shown  by  the  Parish  Register  of  Groton. 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  5 

another,  of  the  house  in  which  John  Winthrop,  the  Go- 
vernor of  Massachusetts,  and  his  son  John  Wmthrop,  the 
Governor  of  Connecticut,  had  both  lived,  and  beneath 
whose  roof  were  prepared  and  pondered  the  memorable 
"  Conclusions"  which  determined  them  to  quit  then*  native 
soil.  The  outlines  of  the  cellar,  however,  were  distinctly 
traceable ;  and  there  was  one  old  mulberry-tree  still 
standing,  in  what  was, probably  the  garden-plot,  which 
might  have  afforded  fruit  and  shade  long  before  those. 
Conclusions  were  acted  upon.^ 

The  spot  was  well  known  to  the  neighbors  as  the  for- 
mer property,  and  place  of  residence,  of  the  family ;  but 
one  of  the  traditions  associated  with  it  was,  that  the 
"Winthrop s  were  regicides^  and  that  there  was  money 
buried  by  them  in  some  part  of  the  premises  before 
then-  flight  to  America.  Perhaps  it  was  supposed  that  I 
had  come  over  to  search  for  it!  At  any  rate,  I  beUeve 
it  was  the  monstrousness  of  this  tradition  which  prompted 
the  resolution,  which  I  then  formed,  that  I  would  employ 
my  earliest  leisure  from  pubhc  occupations  in  rendermg 
an  act  of  fihal  justice  to  my  progenitors.  I  did  not, 
indeed,  imagine  that  this  absurd  story  had  obtained  cur- 
rency or  credit  anywhere  except  where  I  heard  it,  or 
that  there  were  not  those  on  the  spot  who  miderstood 
its  utterly  apocryphal  character;^  and  certainly  I  did 
not  forget  that  here,  in  New  England,  there  are  memo- 
rials enough,  both  of  the  elder  and  of  the  younger  Win- 


1  Prof.  Masson,  in  his  Life  of  Milton,  says,  humorously  enough,  that  "  no  fact  in 
universal  biography  is  better  attested,  than  that  great  men,  wherever  they  go,  plant 
mulberry-trees." — Vol.  i.  p.  147,  note  (Am.  ed.). 

2  My  valued  friend,  Richard  \lmack,  Esq.,  F.S.A.,  of  Long  Mehbrd,  accompanied 
me,  and  knew  almost  as  much  of  my  ancestors  as  I  did  myself. 


b  LITE   AND  LETTEES 

throp,  to  leave  no  room  for  such  a  mistake  as  this,  even 
in  the  mind  of  any  well-educated  schoolboy.  But  it  is 
not  the  less  true,  that  there  has  been  no  extended  bio- 
graphy of  either  of  them ;  nor  any  book  contauiing  such 
an  account  of  their  lives,  services,  and  characters,  as 
would  be  likely  to  render  them  familiar  to  the  modern 
public  mind. 

There  is  a  brief  Life  of  each  of  them  in  Mather's 
"  Magnalia,"  and  another  in  Belknap's  "  American  Bio- 
graphy ; "  but  these  works  belong  to  other  times,  and 
are  rarely  read  or  referred  to  at  the  present  day,  except 
by  the  historian  or  the  antiquary.^  The  elder  Wmthrop 
has  left  an  imperishable  monument  of  himself  in  his  an- 
nals ;  and  the  laborious  and  learned  annotations  of  Mr. 
Savage  have  rendered  that  work,  as  published  in  1825-6,^ 
and  still  more  in  the  new  edition  of  1853,  a  complete 
storehouse  of  our  early  New-England  history.  It  is 
a  work,  however,  too  full  of  various  and  curious  matter 
about  other  men  and  other  things,  to  allow  the  conduct 
and  character  of  its  author  to  impress  themselves,  as 
distinctly  as  they  ought  to  be  impressed,  upon  the  minds 
of  those  who  read  it.  It  furnishes  only  the  raw  mate- 
rial of  a  biography,  rather  than  a  biography  itself,  even 
during  the  period  over  which  it  extends  ;  while  it  leaves 
the  earlier  and  larger  part  of  its  author's  life  and  for- 
tunes almost  enthely  unnoticed. 

1  A  compendious  memoir  of  the  elder  Winthrop  has  also  been  included  in  the 
"  Lives  of  the  Governors  of  New  Plymouth  and  Massachusetts  Bay."  By  Jacob  B. 
Moore.    Boston,  1851. 

2  The  History  of  New  England  from  1630  to  1649,  by  John  Winthrop,  Esq.,  first 
Governor  of  the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  from  his  original  manuscripts  ;  with 
notes,  &c.,  by  James  Savage,  President  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society.  The 
first  volmTie  was  published  in  1825;  the  second,  in  1826. 


OF  JOHN  WINTHKOP.  7 

But  I  "svill  make  no  apology  for  what  I  have  under- 
taken ;  trustmg  that  it  will  do  its  own  proper  work  of 
self-justification  with  those  into  whose  hands  it  shall  fall. 
Let  me  only  add,  that  the  resolution  which  was  inspii-ed 
by  my  visit  to  Groton  in  1847,  and  by  the  strange  story 
which  I  heard  there,  was  fulfilled  in  manuscript  not  long 
afterwards ;  and  that  several  of  the  following  chapters 
are  now  printed  just  as  they  were  written  many  years 
ago.  Meantime,  however,  not  only  has  another  brief 
visit  to  England,  in  1859-60,  furnished  me  with  the 
opportunity  of  refreshing  my  remembrance  of  the  Gro- 
ton associations  and  locahties,  but,  smce  my  retiu'n  home, 
a  very  large  collection  of  original  family  papers  has 
come  into  my  possession,  supplying  information  and  ma- 
terials of  the  utmost  importance  to  my  work,  and  giving 
me  abundant  cause  for  satisfaction,  that  I  had  so  long 
resisted  the  temptation  to  pubhsh  what  had  been  origi- 
nally prepared.  Indeed,  the  abundance  of  these  new 
materials  has  been  not  a  little  embarrassing.  They  have 
compelled  me  to  abandon  not  a  few  of  my  own  specula- 
tions and  conjectures,  and  to  cancel  more  than  one 
chapter  on  which  I  had  bestowed  the  most  pains,  and  in 
which  I  had  taken  the  most  pride.  But  the  truth  of 
history  will  gain  largely  by  such  changes ;  while  the 
character  and  career  which  I  have  attempted  to  portray 
will  lose  nothmg. 

Dr.  Johnson  has  somewhere  expressed  the  idea,  that 
the  best  kind  of  biography  is  autohiography ;  and  that 
every  man's  life  may  be  written  by  himself  better  than 
anybody  else  could  write  it  for  him.  Whether  this  be 
true  or  not  to  its  full  extent,  there  can  be  no  question 


8  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

that  the  most  trustworthy  sort  of  autobiography  is  that 
which  has  been  written,  accidentally  and  unconsciously, 
as  it  were,  in  familiar  letters  or  private  journals,  or  upon 
the  records  of  official  service.  Certainly,  any  one  who 
has  materials  of  this  kind  within  his  reach  would  be 
almost  as  inexcusable  for  overlaying  them  by  too  much 
authorship,  as  he  would  be  for  overlooldng  them  alto- 
gether. The  life  of  John  Winthrop  the  elder,  most 
happily,  has  been  thus  written  by  himself.  It  may  be 
read  in  the  language  of  contemporaneous  records,  or  in 
the  still  more  familiar  and  agreeable  language  of  his 
own  private  correspondence  and  diary ;  and  if  I  shall 
have  succeeded  in  so  arranging  his  letters  and  journals, 
his  confessions  and  experiences,  that  this  old  father  of 
Massachusetts  shall  be  foimd  telling  the  story  of  a  con- 
siderable part  of  his  career  in  his  own  words,  and  fur- 
nishing an  ample  clew  to  the  course  and  current  of  the 
rest  of  it,  I  shall  have  accomplished  every  thing  that  I 
have  aimed  at.  And  I  shall  be  greatly  mistaken,  I  do 
confess,  if  in  this  way  there  be  not  presented  to  fresh 
contemplation  a  character  inferior  to  few  which  can 
be  found,  either  in  the  earher  or  the  later  history  of 
our  land. 

I  do  not  forget  the  caution  suggested  in  the  old  couplet 
of  the  author  of  the  "  Night  Thoughts,"  — 

"  They  that  on  glorious  ancestors  enlarge 
Produce  their  debt,  instead  of  their  discharge." 

I  hardly  know,  however,  of  a  deeper  debt  which  any 
one  can  incur,  or  of  a  more  binding  obhgation  which 
any  one  can  discharge,  —  whenever  circumstances  may 
afford  the  means  and  opportunity  of  doing  so,  —  than  to 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  9 

bring  out  from  the  treasures  of  the  past,  and  to  hold  up 
to  the  \iew  of  the  present  and  of  commg  generations, 
a  great  example  of  private  virtue  and  public  usefuhiess  ; 
of  moderation  in  counsel,  and  energy  in  action ;  of  stern 
self-denial,  and  unsparmg  self-devotion ;  of  childlike  trust 
in  God,  and  implicit  faith  m  the  gospel  of  Cluist,  united 
with  courage  enough  for  conducting  a  Colony  across  the 
ocean,  and  wisdom  enough  for  building  up  a  State  in 
the  wildferness.  Nor  could  any  one  easily  subject  him- 
self to  a  juster  reproach,  than  that  of  shrinking  from 
the  discharge  of  such  a  debt,  for  fear  of  being  thought 
inchned  to  exaggerate  the  importance,  or  to  magnify  the 
merits,  of  a  remote  ancestry. 

More  than  two  centuries  have  now  passed  away 
since  the  elder  Winthrop  was  laid  in  his  narrow  tomb. 
Six  entire  generations  of  descendants  have  intervened 
between  him  and  myself.  At  such  a  distance  of  time, 
and  in  this  republican  atmosphere,  by  no  means  favora- 
ble to  the  growth  of  family  pride,  I  trust  my  sincerity 
will  not  be  questioned  when  I  say,  with  another  and 
older  poet, — 

"  Et  genus  et  proavos,  et  quae  non  fecimus  ipsi, 
Vix  ea  nostra  voco." 


10  LITE   AND  LETTERS 


CHAPTER  II. 

EARLY   HISTORY   OF   THE  WINTHROP  FAMH.Y. 

The  name  of  Winthrop  may  be  traced  back,  in  various 
spellings,  for  at  least  'six  centuries  and  a  half.  On  the 
Rolls  of  Court  of  the  County  of  York,  in  England,  for 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1200,  there  is  a  record  which 
begins  with  the  name  of  Robert  de  Winetorp.  There 
is  a  similar  record  for  the  county  of  Lincoln,  seven  years 
later,  in  which  the  name  I.  Winethorp  is  found.  Thorpe 
is  the  Saxon  word  for  "  village,"  corresponding  to  the 
Dutch  word  Dorp.  Win.,  or  wme,  has  more  than  one 
signification ;  sometimes  meaiung  "  pleasant,"  sometimes 
"  the  beloved,"  and  sometimes  standing  for  that  juice  of 
the  grape  to  which  both  these  epithets  are  not  unfre- 
quently  applied. 

Dr.  Johnson,  quoting  from  Gibson,  says  that  "  Win^ 
whether  initial  or  final,  in  the  names  of  men,  may  either 
denote  a  masculine  temper,  from  pin,  which  signifies,  in 
Saxon,  '  war,'  '  strength,'  «fec. ;  or  else  the  general  love 
and  esteem  he  hath  among  the  people,  from  the  Saxon 
pine;  i.e.,  'dear,'  'beloved.'  In  the  names  of  places, 
it  implies  a  battle  fought  there." 

A  recent  American  writer  on  Surnames  ^  says,  "  Win- 

1  B.  Homer  Dixon,  Esq. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  11 

tlirop  probably  means  a  pleasant  thorp,  or  village."  A 
still  more  recent  and  most  humorous  American  writer  on 
Suffolk  Sui'names  ^  suggests  that  Wlnthrop  means  "  wine 
village."  Dr.  Johnson's  citation  would  indicate  that  it 
might  bear  a  more  personal  and  enviable  signification 
than  either. 

An  old  pedigree  of  the  Winthrop  Family,  of  uncertain 
date,  and  of  still  more  uncertain  detail,  commences  by 
stating  that  "  they  came  anciently  from  Northumber- 
land ; "  that  "  they  afterwards  settled  in  a  village  not 
far  from  Newark,  which  was  called  '•Winthrop ; ' "  that 
"  from  thence  they  came  up  to  London,  and  owned 
Marribone  (Mar}iebone)  Park ; "  that  "  from  thence 
they  went  to  Groton,  in  Suffolk,  where  they  lived  many 
years." 

The  village  of  Winthorpe,  in  Nottinghamshire,  still 
exists  near  Newark  ;  but  which  generation  of  the  family 
lived  there,  if  any,  we  have  not  found  it  easy  to  ascer- 
tain. "Winthorpe  Hall  is  a  well-known  seat  in  the  same 
neighborhood.  It  is  a  comparatively  modern  structure, 
however ;  having  been  built  in  1760  by  Dr.  Taylor,  phy- 
sician to  George  11.^  There  is  another  village  of  Win- 
thorpe, on  the  coast  of  Lincolnshire,  of  which  we  know 
nothing  but  the  name. 

The  early  history  of  the  Winthrops  is  thus  succinctly 
stated  by  Cotton  Mather,  in  the  Magnalia  Christi  Ameri- 
cana :  — 

"  Mr.  Adam  Winthrop,  the  son  of  a  worthy  gentleman  of 
the  same  name,  was  himself  a  worthy,  a  discreet,  and  a  learned 


1  The  late  lamented  Nathaniel  IngersoU  Bowditch,  Esq. 

2  Burke's  Visitation  of  Seats  and  Arms,  vol.  i.  p.  196. 


12  LEFE   AKD  LETTERS 

gentleman,  particularly  eminent  for  skill  in  the  law,  nor  with- 
out remark  for  love  to  the  gospel,  under  the  reign  of  King 
Henry  VIII.  ;  and  brother  to  a  memorable  favorer  of  the 
reformed  religion  in  the  days  of  Queen  Mary,  into  whose  hands 
the  famous  martyr,  Philpot,  committed  his  papers,  which  after- 
wards made  no  inconsiderable  ;part  of  our  martyr-books.  This 
Mr.  Adam  Winthrop  had  a  son  of  the  same  name  also,  and  of 
the  same  endowments  and  employments  with  his  father ;  and 
this  third  Adam  Winthrop  was  the  father  of  that  renowned 
John  Winthrop,  who  was  the  father  of  New  England,  and  the 
founder  of  a  colony,  which  upon  many  accounts,  like  him  that 
founded  it,  may  challenge  the  first  place  among  the  English 
glories  of  America."  ^ 

Now,  Cotton  Mather  was  certainly  in  the  way  of 
knowing  something  about  the  facts  which  he  states  in 
regard  to  the  Winthrop  Family.  His  grandfather, 
Richard  Mather,  was  a  friend  of  John  Winthrop,  the 
Governor  of  Massachusetts ;  and  his  father,  Increase 
Mather,  was  a  very  ultimate  friend  of  Fitz-John  Win- 
throp, the  second  Governor  Wuithrop  of  Connecticut, 
upon  whom  he  preached  a  funeral  sermon  ;^  while 
Cotton  Mather  himself  was  the  friend  of  Wait  Still 
Winthrop,  Chief- Justice  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Mas- 
sachusetts (1708-1717),  on  whom  he  also  pronounced 
an  elaborate  funeral  discourse,  appending  thereto  a 
Latin  epitaph  almost  as  long  as  the  discourse  itself. 
The  family  traditions,  at  least,  must  thus  have  been 
abundantly  familiar   to   him.     Yet  we  may  find  good 


1  Mather's  Magnalia,  book  ii.  chap.  iv. 

2  This  sermon  was  reprinted  in  London  (1710),  and  dedicated  to  the  Lady  Eachel 
Russell  —  the  widow  of  the  ever-honored  martyr,  William,  Lord  Russell  —  by  Sir  Heniy 
Ashurst,  bart 


OF   JOHN   "VVINTHROP.  13 

reason  for  doubting  whether  he  was  correct  in  all  his 
uiformation,  and  particularly  as  to  the  profession  of 
one  of  the  Adams,  who  would  appear,  as  we  shall 
see  hereafter,  to  have  been  a  merchant  or  manufac- 
turer, instead  of  a  lawyer.  Nor  have  we  been  able 
to  ascertain  any  thing  in  regard  to  the  relation  of 
any  brother  of  his  to  the  papers  of  Philpot,  the  martyr. 
The  name  of  Winthrop  is  nowhere  mentioned,  so  far 
as  we  have  discovered,  among  the  friends  of  Philpot,^ 
in  the  "  Acts  and  Monuments "  of  Fox ;  although  the 
papers  of  that  martyr  occupy  so  considerable  a  space 
in  his  voluminous  work.  Perhaps  it  was  a  brother  by 
marriage  who  was  thus  distinguished. 

The  earhest  residence  of  the  family,  of  which  there  is 
any  precise  record,  was  at  Lanham,  or  Lavenham,^  in 
the  county  of  Suffolk,  where  the  second  Adam  Wmthrop 
mentioned  by  Mather  was  born,  on  the  ninth  day  of  Oc- 
tober, 1498,  "  one  year  after  the  battle  of  Blackheath- 
field,"  as  an  old  Latin  pedigree  (the  earlier  and  larger 
part  of  it  evidently  drawn  up  by  his  son  Adam)  is  parti- 
cular in  stating.  If  it  had  said  "  six  years  after  Colum- 
bus had  discovered  the  New  World,"  or  "  the  very  year 
in  which  Vespucius  made  the  voyage  which  gave  his 
name  to  the  whole  American  hemisphere,"  it  would  have 
been  equally  true,  and  the  period  would  have  been  fixed 
more  significantly  for  those  who  are  now  interested  in 
ascertaining  it.     But  the  American  hemisphere  was  of 

1  John  Philpot,  Archdeacon  of  Winchester,  burned  at  Smithfield,  18th  December, 
1555. 

2  The  Parish  Register  of  Lavenham  does  not  commence  till  1558,  or  we  might 
learn  more  of  the  family  of  the  first  Adam  Winthrop.  The  beautiful  Lavenham 
Church  was  partly  built  by  "  Thomas  Spring,  the  rich  clothier,"  who  resided  there,  and 
with  whose  descendants  the  Winthrops  were  connected  by  marriage  before  1600. 


14  LIFE   AM)   LETTERS 

small  account  when  that  record  was  made  out,  and  the 
writer  of  it  did  not  imagine  that  a  reference  to  the  New 
"World  would  have  any  peculiar  significance  for  his  own 
posterity. 

This  Adam  was  the  eldest  son  of  Adam  Winthrop  and 
Joane  (or  Jane)^  Burton,  who  is  sometimes  styled  "  the 
daughter  of  D.  Burton,"  and  sometimes  "  the  widow  of 
D.  Burton,  and  daughter  and  co-heir  of  Lord  Burnel."  ^ 
He  seems  to  have  been  a  person  of  pretty  decided  cha- 
racter. He  left  his  father's  residence  at  seventeen  years 
of  age,  and  went  to  London,  where  he  bound  himself  to 
Edward  Altham,  as  an  apprentice  for  ten  years.  Edward 
Altham  was  of  an  ancient  family,  and  afterwards  reached 
the  dignity  of  Sheriff  of  London  (1531).  His  grandson, 
Sir  James  Altham,  was  one  of  the  Barons  of  the  Exche- 
quer ;  and  the  son  of  Sir  James  was  that  Richard  Al- 
tham, the  friend  of  Howell,  to  whom  so  many  of  the 
"  Familiar  Letters  "  are  addressed.  Edward's  own  busi- 
ness, at  this  time,  was  that  of  a  clothier,  or  cloth-worker, 
—  a  business  partly  mechanical  and  partly  mercantile 
in  its  nature,  and  which  stood  at  the  head  of  the  indus- 
trial pursuits  of  that  period.  "  The  clothiers  "  (says  the 
author  of  the  recent  "  Popular  History  of  England," 
speaking  of  the  middle  of  the  fifteenth  century)  "  stood 
apart,  as  pursumg  the  most  important  branch  of  Eng- 
land's industry."  And,  in  relating  the  events  of  the  be- 
ginning of  the  sixteenth  century,  the  same  author  bears 
special  testimony  to  the  influence   of  the   clothiers  of 


1  The  Burnels  and  Burtong  were  both  Salop  (or  Shropshire)  families,  —  the  former 
of  great  distinction ;  but  I  find  no  trace  of  any  connection  with  the  Winthrops  in  the 
pedigrees  of  either  of  them. 


OF   JOHN  "WTNTHROP.  15 

Suffolk  in  resisting  oppressive  and  unwarrantable  taxa- 
tion. "  But  for  the  artisans  of  Suffolk,"  says  he,  "  Eng- 
land, at  this  period,  would  probably  have  passed  into 
the  condition  of  France,  where  the  abuse  of  the  royal 
power  had  long  before  deprived  the  people  of  their 
rights."-^  In  the  year  1526,  when  his  apprenticeship 
had  been  served  out,  Adam  was  admitted  to  the  Hberty 
of  citizenship  in  London,  and  sworn  in  on  the  9th  of 
September,  "  mider  the  mayoralty  of  John  Allen."  ^  The 
next  year  (16th  November,  1527)  he  married  Alice 
Hem-y,  or  Henny,  who  is  duly  recorded  as  havhig  been 
bom  of  honest  or  honorable  parents.  By  her  he  had 
the  following  children :  — 

I.  Thomas,  bom  8tli  November,  1528.     Died  in  Api-il,  1529. 

n.  William,  bom  12tli  November,  1529.  Died  1st  March,  1581, 
at  London ;  and  buried  at  St.  JMichael's  Church,  Corhhill.      Vir  sine 

fraude  bonus,  et  pietatis  amans.     His  wife,  EUzabeth  ,  died  in 

Kent,  2d  June,  1578 ;  having  had  six  children,  Jonathan,  Adam, 
William,  Joshua,  Elizabeth,  and  Sarah. 

m.  Bridget,  bom  1st  January,  1530.     Died  January,  1536. 

rV.  Christopher,  bom  4th  Januaiy,  1531.  Died  in  the  parish 
of  Stocke,  Essex,  aged  nine  months. 

V.  Thomas  (2d),  bom  at  London,  June,  1533,  "on  the  day  on 
which  Anne  Boleyn  was  crowned  Queen  of  England."     Died  1537. 


1  Knight's  Popular  History  of  England,  vol.  ii.  pp.  114,  303. 

2  The  mayoralty  of  John  Allen  was  a  memorable  one,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  fol- 
lowing accoimt  of  him  in  Stowe's  Survey:  — 

'•  This  lord  mayor  (who,  for  his  singular  wisdom,  was  made  a  privy  councillor  to 
King  Henry  VIH.)  built  a  beautiful  chapel  here,  wherein  he  was  first  buried ;  but,  since, 
his  tomb  is  removed  thence  into  the  body  of  the  hospital-church,  and  his  chapel  divided 
into  shops.  He  gave  to  the  city  a  rich  collar  of  gold,  to  be  worn  by  the  mayor :  he 
gave  a  stock  of  five  himdred  marks,  to  be  employed  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  London, 
besides  the  rents  of  certain  lands  by  him  purchased  of  the  king.  To  prisons,  hospitals, 
and  lazar-houses,  within,  and  two  miles  without,  the  city,  he  was  abundantly  chari- 
table." He  died  in  1554;  and  Weever,  in  his  "  Antient  Funeral  Monuments,"  gives  an 
elaborate  Latin  epitaph,  which  was  inscribed  on  his  tomb,  in  the  "  Hospital  of  St.  Thomas 
of  Acars,  or  Mercer's  Chaple,"  in  London. 


16  LIFE   Amy   LETTEES 

Adam  Wintlirop  was  married  for  the  second  time,  in 
1534,  to  Agnes  Sharpe,  daughter  of  Robert  Sharpe,  of 
Islington;  she  being  eighteen  years  of  age,"  and  he 
thirty-six.     By  her  he  had  the  following  children  :  — 

I.  Alice,  bom  15th  November,  1539  ;  married  Sir  Thomas  Mildmay, 
and  had  William,  Francis,  George,  Jolm,  Henry,  and  Thomas.  She 
died  8th  November,  1607 ;  and  the  writer  of  the  Latin  pedigree  inscribes 
against  the  date  of  her  death,  Cujus  erat  vitee  vita  medulla  mece. 

II.  Bridget,  bom  3d  May,  1543,  "on  the  Festival  of  the  Ascen- 
sion." Married  Roger  Alabaster  (of  a  distinguished  Hadley  family), 
and  had  WilKam,^  George,  John,  Thomas,  Sarah.  Died  in  Tharfield, 
Herefordshire,  4th  November,  1614. 

III.  Mary,  bom  1st  March,  1544.     Married  Abraham  Veysie. 

IV.  V.  John  and  Adam,  twins,  bom  20th  January,  1546.  Adam 
died  in  six  months.  John  manied  Ehzabeth,  daughter  of  Robert 
Risby,  of  Thorpe  Morieux,  SuiFoUi  County;  and  died  in  Ireland,  26th 
July,  1613.2 

VI.  Adam  (2),  bora  10th  August,  1548.  Died  1623,  at  Groton 
Manor.     He  wilj  form  the  subject  of  our  next  chapter. 

1  This  was  Dr.  William  Alabaster,  who  is  thus  described  in  Fuller's  Worthies  (vol. 
ii.  p.  343):  "A  most  rare  poet  as  any  our  age  or  nation  has  produced:  witnesse  his  Tra- 
gedy of  'Koxana,'  "  &c.  "He  was  made  Prebendary  of  St.  Paul's,  and  Eector  of  ye 
rich  parsonage  of  Tharfield,  in  Hartfordshire."  He  had  turned  Papist  during  a  visit  to 
Rome;  and  on  that  account,  after  coming  back  to  England,  had  been  imprisoned  in  the 
Tower.  But,  of  course,  he  had  renounced  the  Pope  before  obtaining  "  the  rich  parson- 
age."    He  died  in  1640. 

2  He  has  been  supposed  to  have  left  a  son,  from  whom  came  Stephen  Winthrop,  of 
Bandon  (1658):  among  whose  numerous  descendants  may  be  named  the  lateBenjamin 
Winthrop,  Esq.,  of  London,  Governor  of  the  Bank  of  England,  1804-5;  his  son,  the 
late  Benjamin  Winthrop,  Esq.,  of  University  College,  Oxford,  and  of  Lincoln's  Inn, 
London;  his  nephew,  the  Eev.  Benjamin  Winthrop,  M.A.,  of  Wolverton,  Warwick; 
and  the  late  Winthrop  Mackworth  Praed,  M.P.,  the  lamented  poet  and  statesman.  The 
family  records  leave  the  first  link  of  this  connection  in  some  doubt ;  but  a  letter  in 
my  possession,  dated  "  Bandon  Bridge  in  Ireland,  the  5th  day  of  March,  1637,"  ad- 
dressed "  To  her  lovinge  &  aproued  good  frend  and  Kinsman,  Mr.  John  Winthrop  in 
New  England,"  and  signed, "  Your  lovinge  Cosen  Joane  Winthorp,  daughter  to  Willyam 
Hilles,"  settles  the  question,  that  the  Winthrops  of  Bandon  were  of  the  same  family 
with  those  of  Groton.  Joane  Hilles,  daughter  of  William  Hilles,  of  Holton  Hall,  Suf- 
folk County,  was  married  to  Adam  Winthrop,  a  cousin  of  our  Massachusetts  Governor 
Winthrop,  early  in  1600 ;  and  had  a  son,  named  Adam,  in  April,  1601.  Joane  writes 
that  her  husband  had  been  dead  three  years  in  1637.  He  was  itndoubtedly  the  son  of 
William  Winthrop,  of  St.  Michael's,  Cornhill,  London;  and  thus  the  Bandon  Family 
may  have  been  descended  from  William,  and  not  from  John.- 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.    .  17 

VII.  Catharine,  bom  17tji  May,  1550.  Married,  and  had  cliil- 
dren.     Died  ^ . 

"Vlll.  Susanna,  born  lOtb  December,  1552.  Married  D.  Cottie, 
and  had  children.     Died  at  Coventry,  9th  August,  1604. 

Adam  Winthrop,  whose  children  have  thus  heen 
enumerated,  seems  to  have  become  prominent  in  the 
ranks  of  the  clothiers,  and  to  have  obtained  a  distin- 
guished position  in  that  famous  Clothworkers'  Company 
of  London,  into  which  royalty  itself,  half  a  century 
afterwards,  thought  it  no  scorn  to  seek  an  entrance. 
King  James  I.  (we  are  told)  incorporated  himself  into 
the  clothworkers,  as  men  dealing  in  the  principal  and 
noblest  staple-ware  of  aU  these  islands.  "  Being  in  the 
open  hall,  he  asked  who  was  master  of  the  company : 
and  the  Lord  Mayor  answered,  '  Sk  WiUiam  Stone ; ' 
unto  whom  the  king  said,  '  Wilt  thou  make  me  free  of 
the  clothworkers  ? ' — 'Yea,'  quoth  the  master, '  and  think 
myself  a  happy  man  that  I  hve  to  see  this  day.'  Then 
the  king  said,  '  Stone,  give  me  thy  hand ;  and  now  I  am 
a  clothworker.'  "  ^  It  appears,  from  the  court-books  of 
this  ancient  company,  that  Adam  Wyntrope  was  one 
of  the  stewards  in  1537-8,  quarter-warden  in  1544,  and 
upper-warden  in  1545 ;  and  that  he  obtained  the  full 
dignity  of  master  of  the  company  in  1551.^ 

1  Catharine  is  not  named  in  her  father's  will,  in  1562,  when  she  could  have  been  but 
twelve  years  of  age.  The  old  pedigree  can  hardly  be  correct  in  its  indefinite  statement, 
that  she  "  mamed,  and  had  childi-en." 

2  12th  June,  1607.    Howes'  Continuation  of  Stow's  Chronicle  to  1631,  p.  890. 

8  The  company  have  recently  erected  a  magnificent  new  hall,  in  which  I  saw  (1860) 
a  portrait  of  King  James  and  one  of  Sir  Samuel  Pepys.  The  latter  was  master  in 
1677;  and  presented  to  them  the  rich  "loving  cup,"  which  is  still  used  on  all  festive 
occasions.  George  Peabody,  Esq.,  the  American  banker,  was  admitted  to  the  company, 
at  a  sumptuous  banquet,  after  his  recent  munificent  provision  for  the  poor  of  London 
(1862),  and  one  of  the  lineal  descendants  of  Adam  Winthrop,  the  Master  of  the  Com- 
pany in  1551,  was  present  on  the  occasion. 

3 


18  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

In  1543,  it  is  recorded  in  the  old  pedigree,  that  this 
Adam  Winthrop  was  imprisoned  in  the  Fleet  for  having 
had  negotiations  with  foreigners,  contrary  to  the  edict  of 
the  king ;  and  there  detained  until  he  had  paid  six  hun- 
dred pounds  into  the  royal  treasury.  These  were  the 
days  when  England  was  protecting  her  wool-trade  by 
severe  restrictions,  and  Adam  may  have  incurred  the 
penalty  of  some  anti-free-trade  enactment.  These  were 
the  days,  too,  of  violent  and  arbitrary  religious  persecu- 
tions ;  and  it  may  be  that  he  was  found  in  correspond- 
ence or  negotiation  with  reformers  who  had  fled  beyond 
the  seas.  This  idea  would  accord  with  Cotton  Mather's 
tradition  about  his  brother  and  the  martyr  Philpot.  At 
any  rate,  a  fine  of  six  hundred  pounds  would  seem  to 
indicate  a  considerable  fortune,  as  well  as  a  considerable 
fault,  whatever  it  was.  In  1548,  he  is  stated  to  have 
been  inscribed  as  an  esquire  (armiger)  under  the  hand 
and  seal  of  the  young  King,  Edward  VI. ;  and  in  the 
same  year,  "  in  the  parish  of  St.  Peters,  in  the  street 
called  Gracious,"  his  son  Adam  —  the  thhd  Adam  spoken 
of  by  Mather  —  was  born. 

Meantime,  we  learn  from  the  history  of  Sufi'olk  Coun- 
ty, that  "  Groton,  formerly  the  lordship  of  the  Abbot  of 
Bury,  was  granted  at  the  dissolution  to  Adam  Winthrop, 
Esq. ;  in  whose  family  it  contmued  till  about  the  fourth 
year  of  Charles  I."-*^  The  dissolution  of  the  monasteries 
took  place  between  the  years  1536  and  1540 ;  but  the 
formal  grant  to  Adam  Winthrop,  as  recently  found 
among  the  Patent  Rolls  in  the  Public  Record  Office  in 

1  Excursions  in  Suffolk,  vol.  i.  p.  78:  London,  1818. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  19 

London,  bears  date  35  Henry  VIII.  (1544).  The  instru- 
ment, as  translated  by  an  expert  from  the  original 
abbre\iated  Latin,  began  as  follows  :  — 

*'  The  King,  to  all  those,  &c.,  greeting.  Know  that  we,  in 
consideration  of  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  eight  pounds 
eighteen  shillings  and  threepence,  of  lawful  English  money, 
paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  our  Court  of  Augmen- 
tation of  the  revenues  of  our  crown  by  our  beloved  Adam 
Wynthropp  (of  which  said  sum  we  confess  ourself  fully  satis- 
fied and  contented,  and  that  the  said  Adam,  his  heirs  and  exe- 
cutors, are  henceforth  acquitted  by  these  presents),  of  our 
special  favor,  certain  knowledge,  and  mere  intent,  have  given 
and  conceded,  and  by  these  presents  do  give  and  concede,  to 
the  aforesaid  Adam  Wynthropp,  all  that  our  manor  of  Groton, 
in  our  county  of  Suffolk,  with  all  its  rights,  members,  and  ap- 
purtenances, to  the  late  monastery  of  Bury  St.  Edmond's,  in 
the  same  county,  formerly  belonging  and  appertaining,"  &c. 

Adam  seems  to  have  established  himself  at  Groton, 
for  a  part  of  the  year,  not  long  after  this  grant,  and  to 
have  soon  been  called  on  to  exercise  the  authority  which 
it  conferred.  It  appears,  from  the  Registry  of  the  Arch- 
deaconry of  Sudbury,  that  Roger  Ponder  was  inducted 
Rector  of  Groton,  Feb.  13,  1546 ;  having  been  pre- 
sented to  the  living  by  "  Adam  Wintrop,  Lord  of  the 
Manor,  and  Patron  of  the  Chiuxh."  At  Groton,  too, 
this  second  Adam  WinthroxD  died,  in  1562 ;  and  an  ori- 
gmal  bronze  plate  upon  his  tomb  —  now  in  my  posses- 
sion, and  probably  removed  from  the  tomb  when  the 
longer  inscription  given  in  the  introductory  chapter  was 
engraved  upon  the  stone  tablet  —  contained  the  follow- 
ing inscription :  "  Here  lyeth  Mr.  Adam  Wynthrop, 
Lorde  and  Patron  of  Groton,  whiche  departed  owt  of 


20  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

this  Worlde  the  IX*""  day  of  November,  in  the  yere 
of  oure  Lorde  God  MCCCCCLXII."  ^ 

In  the  old  pedigree,  from  which  all  our  scraps  of 
Latin  are  taken,  he  is  styled  vir  pius,  et  verce  religionis 
amans.  There  is  a  likeness  of  him  still  extant,  having 
many  of  the  characteristics  of  a  Holbein;  and  which, 
if  there  be  any  "  art  to  find  the  mind's  construction  in 
the  face,"  portrays  a  man  of  an  adventurous  and  fear- 
less spuit.  His  last  will  and  testament,  as  still  extant 
in  the  Prerogative  Court  of  Canterbury,  England,  was 
dated  20th  September,  1562 ;  and  proved  15th  January, 
1563.  It  leaves  to  his  wife,  Agnes,  the  use  of  his 
house  and  furniture  in  St.  Michael's,  Comhill,  whenever 
she  visits  London.  It  names  his  sons,  —  WiUiam,  John, 
and  Adam ,-  and  his  daughters,  —  Alice,  Bridget,  Mary, 
and  Susan.  These  were,  undoubtedly,  all  the  children 
who  survived  him.^ 

The  widow  of  Adam  Winthrop  was  afterwards  mar- 
ried to  William  Mildmay,  of  Springfield  Barnes.  She 
died  13th  May,  1565,  f emina  pr  cedar  is  condecorata  do- 
nis  ;  and  his  daughter  Alice  married  William  Mildmay 's 
son  Thomas,  who  was  afterwards  knighted,  and  she 
became  the  Lady  Mildmay.  This  was  the  Lady  Mild- 
may from  whom  came  "  the  stone  pot  with  the  silver 
lid,"  to  whi(ch  we  shall  find  further  reference  hereafter, 
and  which  was  preserved  as  an  heir-loom  in  the  family 


1  Edward  Howes,  writing  to  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  from  London,  3d  September,  1636. 
says,  "  Your  Aimt  Downing  hath  bespoken  a  black  marble  gravestone  for  your  grand- 
sire  and  grandmother."     This  was  undoubtedly  the  period  of  the  change. 

2  The  will  refers  also  to  a  sister  Whiting  ;  and  to  another  sister,  the  wife  of  Richard 
Burd,  of  Ipswich,  of  whom  I  know  nothing. 


(\ 


(A^/HV  \tK>  rxJ2^4^^ 


OB.  1562.      JS.T.  64 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  21 

until  a  late  day,  when  it  was  deposited  among  the  trea- 
sures of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  at  Worces- 
ter, Massachusetts. 

An  ancient  certificate  from  the  Herald's  Office,  now 
in  my  possession,  dated  1582,  and  in  which,  as  in  most 
other  ancient  instruments,  there  is  a  plentiful  lack  of 
punctuation,  gives  the  arms  of  the  family  as  follows  :  — 

"  To  all  and  singular  Nobles  and  Gentlemen  of  what  estate 
dignity  or  degree  (soever)  bearing  Armes  to  whom  these  pre- 
sents shall  come  Williara  Detheck  also  Garter  principal  King 
of  Armes  sendeth  deu  commendacions  and  greetings.  Know 
ye  that  whereas  by  virtue  of  the  ancient  authority  of  my  office 
from  the  Queenes  most  Excellent  Majesty  I  am  to  take  generall 
notice  and  to  make  publlque  declaration  record  and  testimony 
for  all  matters  and  causes  of  Armes  pedigrees  and  descents  of 
all  Noblemen  and  gentlemen  through  all  her  Majesty's  King- 
doms Dominions  principalities  Isles  and  provinces  To  the  end 
that  like  as  some  by  their  ancient  names  parentages  kindreds 
and  descent  are  generally  known  and  anciently  reglstere'^^  ,:i 
the  records  of  my  office  So  others  for  theyre  vertues  Vi.  .nt- 
ness  dignities  and  deserts  may  be  worthely  approved  and  better 
discerned  by  these  lawdable  enslgnes  and  tokens  of  honor  and 
worshippe  most  necessary  to  be  had  and  used  in  all  the  com- 
mendable acts  of  gentility.  Wherefore  having  proof  of  this 
shield  and  cote  of  armes  apperteyning  to  the  name  and  ances- 
tors of  John  Wynethrop  Esquire,  sonne  of  Adam  Wyne- 
THROP  of  Groton  In  the  County  of  Suffi3lk,  Gentleman  :  I  the 
said  Garter  princlpall  King  of  Armes,  according  to  the  autho- 
rity and  custome  of  my  office  have  thought  good  to  declare 
blaze  and  exemplify  the  same  shield  or  cote  of  Armes  together 
with  a  creast  or  cognizaunce  appropriate  for  achievement  to  the 
same  viz,  vizor  d^ argent  three  Chevrons  Gules  Crenele  over  all 
a  Lion  rampant  Sables  armed  and  langued  azure.  And  for  his 
creast  or  cognizaunce  a  Hare  proper  running  on  a  mount  vert 


22  LITE   AND  LETTEES 

sett  upon  a  helmet  in  a  wreathe  of  his  coullors  with  mantells 
and  tassells  as  appeareth  in  this  margent  —  To  have  and  to 
hold  use  and  enjoy  the  said  shield  and  Cote  of  armes  with  the 
said  three  Chevrons  and  the  Lion  rampant  together  with  the 
creast  and  cognizaunce  of  a  Hare  proper  running  upon  a  green 
Jiill  and  every  part  and  parcell  thereof  unto  the  within  named 
John  Wynetheop,  gent :  and  others  the  children  issue  and 
posterity  of  the  said  Adam  Wynetheop  of  Groton  of  the  sayd 
County  of  Suffolk  Esquire  lawfully  begotten  (observing  their 
due  differences)  for  ever.  And  that  they  may  have  use  and 
beare  the  same  Armes  and  Crests  upon  their  Shields  Targets 
Swords  or  Ensignes  for  Warre  or  in  their  rings  signetts  and 
scales  for  letters  and  evidences  or  in  and  upon  their  howses 
buildings  edifices  utensiles  and  liveries  or  otherwise  eyther 
paynted  carved  or  figured  upon  tymber  marble  glasse  metall 
stones  tombes  or  monuments  :  And  finally  for  any  other  lawful 
warlike  or  vertuous  and  civile  uses  and  exercises  such  as  by 
the  lawes  of  armes  and  customes  for  gent :  apperteyneth  :  And 
this  without  any  lawful  impediment  or  contradiction  of  any  per- 
son or  persons.  In  witness  and  perpetual  remembrance  and 
testimony  hereof  I  the  said  GtAETEE  principall  King  of  Armes 
have  to  these  lettres  patent  subscribed  my  name  and  fastened 
the  Scale  of  my  office  endorsed  with  the  signet  of  my  armes  — 
Yeoven  at  the  office  of  Armes  London  the  24  day  of  June  in 
the  XXXm  year  of  the  reigne  of  our  Sovereigne  Lady  Eliza- 
beth by  the  grace  of  God  Queene  of  England  France  and  Ire- 
land defender  of  the  faith. 

1592 

William  Detheck  Garter 

principall  Kinge  off  Armes." 

The  Jolin  Wiiithrop  named  in  this  certificate  is  un- 
questionably the  same  who  has  already  been  mentioned 
as  born  in  1546,  and  who  removed  to  Ireland,  and  died 
there  in  1613.  It  wiU  be  seen,  however,  that  it  was  not 
an  original  grant  of  arms,  but  only  an  exemplification 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  23 

of  "  the  shield  and  cote  of  armes  apperteyning  to  his 
name  and  ancestors." 

In  addition  to  the  children  of  Adam  Winthrop  here- 
tofore given,  the  names  of  at  least  three  more  have 
found  their  way  into  a  comparatively  modern  account 
of  the  family:  \iz.,  Robert,  Avho  is  called  of  Scotland; 
Elizabeth,  who  is  said  to  have  married  a  Cottie ;  and  Anne. 
No  dates  of  their  births  or  deaths,  however,  are  any- 
where given  ;  and  no  mention  whatever  is  made  of  them 
in  the  old  Latin  pedigree.  The  author  of  that  pedigree 
could  hardly  fail  to^have  kno^vn  how  many  brothers  and 
sisters  he  had ;  and  he  states  expressly,  that  his  father 
had  four  sons  and  one  daughter  by  his  first  wife,  and 
three  sons  and  five  daughters  by  the  second  wife.  This 
would  seem  to  settle  the  question,  that  Robert,  Eliza- 
beth, and  Anne  belonged  to  an  earlier  or  a  later  gene- 
ration. 

In  some  accoimts  of  the  family,  both  manuscript  and 
printed,  it  has  been  stated  that  Adam  Wmthrop,  the 
father  of  these  childi'en,  was  once  "  Master  of  Trinity 
Hall,  Cambridge,  and  Vice -Chancellor  of  the  Univer- 
sity." ^  This  were,  certainly,  a  feather  in  the  family  cap, 
not  readily  to  be  rehnquished;  but  neither  the  Latin 
pedigree  on  which  we  have  rehed,  nor  the  records  of 
the  university,  which  are  still  more  conclusive,  afibrd 
any  authority  for  this  statement.  The  career  of  Adam, 
as  it  may  be  gathered  from  the  foregoing  facts  and 
dates,  would  seem  quite   inconsistent  with  his  having 


1  Discourse  on  the  death  of  Hon.  John  Winthrop,  LL.D.  and  F.R.S.,  Hollis  Pro- 
fessor of  Mathematics  and  Xatiiral  Philosophy  at  Cambridge,  New  England ;  by  Edward 
Wigglesworth,  A.M.,  HoUis  Professor  of  Div-inity,  1779,  p.  23. 


24  LIFE   AJJD   LETTERS 

held  such  an  office ;  and  we  can  only  account  for 
such  an  error  having  crept  into  print,  by  the  con- 
jecture, that  the  title,  which  really  belonged  to  good 
Bishop  Still,  the  reputed  author  of  "  Gammer  Gur- 
ton's  Needle,"-^  —  whose  sister,  as  we  shall  presently 
see,  was  married  to  Adam  Winthrop's  son,  —  was  acci- 
dentally misplaced  in  transcribmg  the  pedigree  at  some 
day  long  past,  and  became  attached  to  a  name  to  which 
it  did  not  belong.  John  Still,  afterwards  Bishop  of 
Bath  and  Wells,  was  Master  of  Trinity,  and  Vice-Chan- 
cellor  of  the  University  of  Cambridge,  between  1576 
and  1592.  It  does  not  often  happen,  that,  after  the 
lapse  of  nearly  three  centuries,  a  borrowed  plume  can 
be  so  honestly  accounted  for,  or  so  readily  restored  to 
its  rightful  owner.  Meantime,  however,  we  shall  see, 
in  our  next  chapter,  that  the  son  of  this  Adam  Win- 
throp  held  an  honorable  and  responsible  relation  to  the 
University  for  many  years. 


1  "  The  evidence  that  Bishop  Still  was  the  author  of  Gammer  Gurton's  Needle  is 
exceedingly  slight." — Prof.  Craik's  Manual  of  English  Literature.  London,  1862, 
p.  206. 


OF   JOHN   "VVTNTHEOP.  '  25 


CHAPTER  III. 

ADAM  WnSTTHKOP,  THE   THIRD  OF    THAT   NAJVfE.      HIS  FAMILY  AND 
PERSONAL  CAREER.     HIS  POETRY,  DIARY,  AND  ALIVIANACS. 

Adam  Winthrop  (3d),  the  father  of  oiu'  Massachusetts 
Governor,  and  the  third  son  of  Adam  Winthrop  and 
Agnes  Sharpe,  was  born  m  London,  in  the  parish  of 
St.  Peter's,  and  "  in  the  street  which  is  called  Gracious  " 
(Gracechiu'ch),  on  Friday,  10th  August,  1548.  Of  his 
early  life  and  fortunes  we  have  but  few  details.  His 
father  died  when  he  was  but  fourteen  years  of  age ;  ^nd 
his  mother  lived  only  thi*ee  years  afterwards,  —  having, 
as  we  have  seen,  been  married  again,  in  the  mean  time. 
Of  course,  he  had  but  a  brief  enjoyment  of  parental 
care  and  culture.  The  family  traditions,  as  perpetuated 
by  Cotton  Mather,  represent  him  to  have  been  a  lawyer ; 
and  he  has  sometimes  been  recorded  as  a  serjeant-at- 
law.  A  memorandum  in  one  of  his  old  account-books 
proves  that  he  was  of  the  Temple  in  London  in 
1594;  and  that,  on  the  21st  of  February  of  that  year, 
he  paid  "  to  Mr.  Marple,  the  chiefe  buttler  of  the  Tem- 
ple," for  aU  his  pensions  in  advance,  for  "  an  Aide 
Roule,"  and  for  the  reparation  of  the  church,  the  sum 
of  fifty  shillings.  A  note  of  his  "  gaynes  in  lawe " 
diu'ing  the  preceding  year,  amounting  only  to  seven  or 
eight  pounds,  would  not  indicate,  however,  a  very  exten- 


26  LIFE   AJSTD   LETTERS 

sive  practice  at  that  period  of  his  hfe,  whatever  it  may 
have  been  in  his  earher  years.  After  this  date,  he 
seems  to  have  resided  almost  altogether  at  Groton,  and 
to  have  occupied  himself  mainly  with  agricultural  pur- 
suits. 

It  is  not  easy  to  decide  exactly  at  what  period,  or 
under  what  chcumstances,  he  became  lord  of  the  manor. 
It  would  have  been  natural,  that  the  Groton  estate,  at 
the  father's  death,  should  have  gone  first  to  the  eldest 
son,  WiUiam;  but  the  London  property  to  which  he 
succeeded  may  have  been  considered  sufficient  for  him. 
At  any  rate,  we  find  a  royal  Mcense  of  alienation  among 
the  Patent  Rolls  of  1557-8,  under  which  the  Groton  estate 
was  entailed  upon  the  second  son,  John,  who  became  lord 
of  the  manor  on  his  father's  death  in  1562.-^  A  similar 
license  of  alienation  is  found  amonff  the  Patent  Rolls  of 
1594,  when  John  removed  to  Ireland ;  agreeably  to  which, 
the  estate  was  sooner  or  later  conveyed  to  Adam.  But 
John  appears  to  have  made  occasional  visits  to  the 
manor  for  several  years  after  his  removal  to  Ireland ; 
and  as  late  as  the  3d  of  October,  1601,  we  find  him 
keeping  a  court  at  Groton  HaU,  when  Adam  says  in 
his  diary,  "  We  had  pike  to  dynn'  that  was  iii  qrf^  of 
a  yarde  longe,  ut  'puto." 

Cotton  Mather  would  seem  to  imply  that  Adam  was 
once  the  recipient  of  royal  favor,  in  the  following  anec- 
dote which  he  tells  m  comiection  with  the  younger  John 


1  This  second  son  John,  as  lord  of  the  manor,  presented  Thomas  Howlet  to  the 
living  at  Groton,  27th  March,  1568,  in  place  of  Henry  Browne,  who  had  been  inducted 
as  rector  5th  April,  1563,  in  place  of  Peter  Forman,  deceased,  at  the  nomination  of  Agnes 
Wynthropp,  widow  of  Adam  (2d). 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  27 

Winthrop's  mission  to  England,  in  1661-2,  to  obtain 
the  charter  of  Connecticut :  "  I  have  been  informed, 
that  while  he  Avas  engaged  hi  this  negotiation,  bemg 
admitted  unto  a  private  conference  with  the  king,  he 
presented  his  majesty  wdth  a  ring,  which  King  Charles 
I.  had,  upon  some  occasioii,  given  to  his  grandfather^ ; 
and  the  king  not  only  accepted  his  present,  but  also 
declared  that  he  accounted  it  one  of  his  richest  jewels ; 
which,  hideed,  was  the  opmion  that  New  England  had 
of  the  hand  that  carried  it."  This  rmg  has  become 
historical,  and  has  been  the  subject  both  of  story  and 
of  song.  A  hvely  version  of  the  anecdote,  and  of  the 
marvellous  mfluence  of  "  the  bauble "  in  securing  the 
charter  for  Connecticut,  may  be  remembered  in  the  thhd 
chapter  of  Cooper's  charming  tale  of  "  The  Wept  of 
Wish-Toii-Wish ;  "  and  Trumbull  and  Pitkhi  have  incor- 
porated the  tradition  into  the  graver  pages  of  history.-^ 
Doubtless  it  must  have  had  some  foundation  m  fact ; 
and  a  miniature  of  Charles  II.  is  still  m  possession  of 
some  of  the  descendants  ^  of  the  Connecticut  governor, 
which  is  said  to  have  been  given  to  him  by  Charles  him- 
self on  the  same  occasion.  But,  if  the  ring  were  ever 
given  to  Adam  Winthrop,  it  must  have  been  while 
Charles  I.  was  still  only  a  prince,  as  he  was  not 
cro^Tied  until  two  years  after  Adam's  death. 

There  are  abundant  proofs  that  this  Adam  Winthrop 
was  a  man  of  good  education  and  of  high  social  stand- 

1  Hollister's  recent  History  of  Connecticut  repeats  the  story  (vol.  i.  p.  208);  and 
ISIiss  Caulkins,  the  historian  of  Xew  London,  has  written  a  pretty  ode  upon  it :  but  Roger 
Wolcott,  in  his  elaborate  Poem  on  the  Agency  of  Winthrop  in  procuring  the  Charter, 
published  in  1724,  does  not  allude  to  it. 

2  The  family  of  the  late  brave  and  brilliant  Major  Theodore  Winthrop,  who  feU  at 
Big  Bethel,  June  10, 1861. 


28  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

ing.  The  old  pedigree,  from  which  we  have  cited  so 
many  scraps  of  Latin,  would  bespeak  him  to  have  been 
not  altogether  wanting  in  scholarship,-^  mingled,  perhaps, 
with  a  sufficient  share  of  pedantry.  The  late  Rev. 
Joseph  Hunter,  of  London,  in  the  following  extract 
from  his  valuable  commmiication  upon  "  Suffolk  Emi- 
grants," made  to  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  in 
September,  1847,  furnishes  evidence  that  he  was  not 
without  some  humble  pretensions  as  a  poet ;  his  verses 
having  been  thought  worthy  of  preservation  in  a  miscel- 
lany of  the  poetry  of  the  time :  — 

"Adam  Winthrop"  (says  Mr.  Hunter)  "received,  as  a 
present  from  '  his  sister,  Lady  Mildmay,'  in  1607,  '  a  stone 
pot,  tipped  and  covered  with  a  silver  lid,'  which  is  still  pre- 
served as  a  relic  in  the  family.  Mr.  Savage,  to  whose  edition 
of.Winthrop's  History  I  owe  this  infonnation,  has  not  shown 
us  which  of  the  Lady  Mildmays  of  his  time  (for  there  were 
several)  stood  in  the  relation  of  sister  to  Adam  Winthrop  : 
but  in  his  communication  to  the  society,  of  information  col- 
lected by  him  in  England  in  the  year  1842,  he  gives  an  extract 
from  the  parish-register  of  Groton,  which  distinctly  shows 
that  it  was  Thomas,  son  of  Wilham  Mildmay,  who  married 
Alice  Winthrop,  the  sister  of  Adam;  and  he  correctly  states, 
that  this  Thomas  Mildmay  was  MUdmay  of  Springfield  Barnes 
in  Essex,  was  knighted,  and  that  thus  the  daughter  of  Win- 
throp became  Lady  Mildmay.  This  lady  is,  indeed,  distinctly 
described  by  Morant,  in  his  '  History  of  the  County  of  Essex' 
(vol.  ii.  p.  24),  as  Ahce,  daughter  of  Adam  Winthrop,  of 
Groton.  Morant  further  informs  us,  that  Sir  Henry  Mildmay, 
of  Graces,  in  the  parish  of  Baddow,  near  Chelmsford,  was 
the  issue  of  this  marriage.  This  Sir  Henry  and  his  family 
are  the  Mildmays  who  are  named  occasionally  in  the  Winthrop 

1  The  Latin  is  generally  in  hexameter  or  pentameter  verse. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  29 

Letters.  lie  lived  till  1639,  when  he  died  at  the  age  of 
sixty-one.  The  -wife  of  this  Sir  Henry  was  a  near  neighbor 
and  friend  of  the  WInthrops,  a  daughter  of  Gurdon  of  Asslng- 
ton,^  the  next  parish  to  Groton,  the  family  Intended  by  the 
Governor,  Avhen,  in  his  first  letter  to  Groton  from  the  new 
country,  he  desires  to  be  remembered  to  all  at  Assington  ;  and 
this  Lady  ]\Iildmay  (not  the  Lady  Mildmay  originally  a  Win- 
throp,  as  might  at  first  be  supposed)  is  the  lady  to  whom  the 
lines  which  follow  were  addressed  by  Adam  Winthrop.  There 
is  something  pleasing  in  them  ;  and  we  may  observe,  that  they 
exhibit  sometliing  of  the  same  feeling  which  we  may  collect 
from  some  passages  of  his  son's  writings  belonged  to  him. 
The  child  who  was  thus  welcomed  to  the  world,  became,  In  due 
time,  member  for  his  county,  and  was  '  the  implacable  political 
enemy  of  Sir  John  Bramston'  (Autobiography  of  Sir  John, 
p.  122).  The  lines  are  preserved  in  a  miscellany  of  poetry 
of  the  time,  now  No.  1,598  of  the  Harleian  Manuscripts. 

"  Verses  made  by  Mr.  Adam  Winthropp  to  the  Ladie  Mildmay  at  y^  ByrtJi  of 
her  Sonne  Henery. 
Madam, 

I  singe  not  like  tlie  swanne,  that  readye  is  to  dye ; 

But  with  the  Phoenix  I  rejoyce,  when  she  in  fire  doth  frye. 

My  soule  doth  praise  the  Lord  and  magnifie  his  name, 

For  this  sweete  babe  wliich  in  yo'  wombe  he  did  inost  finely  frame. 

And  on  a  blessed  day  hath  made  him  to  be  borne, 

That  with  his  giftes  of  heavenly  grace  his  soule  he  might  adorne. 

God  graunt  him  happie  days  in  joye  &  peace  to  lyve. 

And  more  of  this  most  blessed  fruite  hereafter  to  you  give. 

Amen. 
Ah  me  what  doe  I  meane,  to  take  my  penne  in  hande, 
More  meete  it  were  my  aged  Muse  should  reste  and  silent  stande. 
For  pleasure  take  I  none  in  music's  sweetest  laies. 
Nor  do  delight,  as  I  was  wonte,  in  them  to  spend  my  dales. 
Yet  when  the  joyfuU  newes  did  come  unto  my  eare, 
That  at  this  time  a  sonne  was  borne  of  you,  my  Ladie  deare : 
My  harte  was  filde  with  joye,  my  spirits  revived  all. 
And  from  my  olde  &  barren  brayne  these  verses  rude  did  fall : 

1  Amy  Gurdon  was  Sir  Henry's  second  wife.  His  first  marriage  Ls  thus  given  in 
Adam  Winthrop's  diary,  1  June,  1609 :  "  My  nephiew  S'.  Henry  Mildmay  was  married 
to  S'.  "Will?  Harris  his  daughter  of  Cricksey." 


30  LIFE    AND    LETTERS 

Welcome  sweete  babe  thou  art  unto  tliy  parents  deare, 
Wbose  hartes  tbou  filled  hast  with  joy,  as  well  yt  doth  appeare. 
The  day  even  of  thy  byrth,  when  light  thou  first  didst  see, 
Foresheweth  that  a  joyfuU  life  shall  happen  unto  thee. 
For  blessed  is  that  daye  and  to  be  kept  in  mynde, 
On  which  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  was  borne  to  save  mankinde. 
Growe  up  therefore  in  grace,  and  feare  his  holie  name, 
Who  in  thy  mothers  secreat  wombe  thy  members  all  did  frame  ; 
And  gave  to  thee  a  soule  thy  bodie  to  susteyne, 

Which  when  this  life  shall  ended  be,  in  heaven  with  him  shall  reigne. 
Love  him  with  all  thy  harte,  and  make  thy  parents  gladd, 
As  Samuell  did,  whom  of  the  Lord  his  mother  Anna  had. 
God  graunt  that  they  may  live,  to  see  from  thee  to  springe, 
Another  like  unto  thyseHe  who  may  more  joy  them  bringe. 
And  from  all  wicked  wayes,  that  godles  men  do  trace. 
Pray  daylie  that  he  will  thee  keepe  by  his  most  mightie  grace. 
That  when  thy  dayes  shall  ende  in  his  appoynted  tyme, 
Thou  mayest  yelde  up  a  blessed  soule  defiled  with  noe  cryme. 
And  to  thy  mother  deere  obedient  be  and  kinde. 
Give  eare  unto  her  godlie  words  and  print  them  in  thy  mynde. 
Thy  father  likewise  love  and  willingly  obey, 

That  thou  may'st  long  possesse  those  lands  which  he  must  leave  one  daye. 

Finis."  ^ 

Mr.  Hunter  did  not  venture  to  give  the  exact  date  for 
these  verses ;  but  we  shall  presently  find  conclusive 
authority  for  saying,  that  the  child  whose  nativity  they 
celebrated  was  born  on  Christmas  Day,  1619.  We 
could  hardly  commend  them  as  a  bhthday  ode  or  a 
Christmas  carol  for  the  present  generation ;  though  we 
doubt  not  that  many  "ruder  verses  ".have  fallen  from 
"  old  and  barren  braynes,"  both  in  that  day  and  in  this. 
They  are  only  valuable,  however,  as  giving  a  glimpse 
of  domestic  life  nearly  two  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago, 
and  as  furnishing  an  amusing  illustration  of  the  character 


1  Mass.  Hist.  CoU.,  3d  series,  vol.  x.  pp.  152-4.  An  original  draught  has  enabled 
ns  to  make  some  corrections  in  these  verses,  which  are  written  by  their  aiitlior  in  long 
lines,  as  here  printed. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  31 

and  qualities  of  their  author.  How  little  could  he  have 
dreamed  of  their  being  reproduced  after  so  long  an 
interval,  and  subjected  to  the  criticism,  perhaps  to  the 
ridicule,  of  remote  generations  in  a  mdely  distant  hemi- 
sphere ! 

But  stiU  less  could  he  have  dreamed  of  the  survival 
to  this  day  of  his  private  diary,  and  of  the  family  alma- 
nacs m  which  he  had  recorded  so  many  of  his  own 
experiences  and  of  the  daily  occurrences  in  his  little 
household.  Of  the  old  Winthrop  Almanacs,  there  are 
no  less  than' fifteen  remaining.-^  Two  of  them,  it  is  true, 
bear  date  after  Adam's  death.  The  almanac  for  the  year 
1631  belonged  to  Governor  Winthrop  of  Massachusetts, 
and  contains  but  few  memoranda,  and  those  of  no  parti- 
cular interest.  That  for  the  year  1662  belonged  to 
Governor  Winthrop  of  Connecticut,  and  contains  at 
least  one  memorable  entry  in  his  own  handwriting :  — 

"  This  day,  May  10  in  the  afternoon,  the  Patent  for  Connec- 
ticut was  sealed. 

But  all  the  almanacs  for  the  previous  years  were  the 
property  of  our  thhd  Adam,  and  several  of  them  con- 
tain highly  mteresting  and  characteristic  memoranda  in 
his  plain  and  well-preserved  handwritmg;  while  his 
httle  Diary,  embracing  a  great  part  of  the  period  from 
1594  to  1610,  abounds  vsdth  the  details  of  his  own  life,  and 
of  the  lives  and  fortunes  of  his  friends  and  neighbors. 

It  appears  from  this  Diary,  and  from  the   accounts 

1  Twelve  of  them  are  in  the  library  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  and 
three  of  the  most  precious  of  them  —  those  for  the  years  1603-4,  1014-15,  and  1621-2  — 
in  my  own  possession.  For  the  recovery  of  two  of  them,  I  was  indebted  to  the  unfailing 
kindness  of  my  friend,  George  Livermore,  Esq. 


32  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

which  form  a  part  of  the  same  manuscript  volume,  that 
he  held  the  office  of  Auditor  at  Trinity  College,  Cam- 
bridge, for  not  less  than  sixteen  or  seventeen  years ;  and 
that  he  was  accustomed  to  spend  a  week  or  more  every 
winter  at  Cambridge  in  examining  the  college-accounts. 
He  was  the  Auditor  of  St.  John's  College,  also,  during  a 
part,  if  not  the  whole,  of  the  same  period.  Thus,  as 
early  as  1593,  and  again  in  1597,  we  find  him  entering 
among  his  annual  receipts  a  fee  of  eight  pounds  six 
shillings  and  eightpence  from  Trinity  College,  and  a  fee 
of  thkteen  shillings  and  fourpence  from  St.  John's  ;  while 
in  his  Diary  we  find  the  following  records  :  — 

"  1601.  The  iv*^  of  Decemb.  I  ridde  to  Cambridge  & 
beganne  the  Auditt  the  7^^  beinge  Monday. 

The  xliij*'^  of  Decembre  I  returned  from  the  Auditt  &  did 
see  the  Sonne  in  the  Echps  about  12  of  the  Clock  at  noone. 

1604.  The  last  of  Novemb.  I  rode  to  Cambridge  to  keepe 
the  Audit  at  Trinltle  Colledge  &  I  ret.  the  xv*"^  of  December. 

1605.  The  Hj'^  of  Decembr.  I  did  ryde  to  the  Auditt  at 
Trinity  Coll.   &  retourned  the  xvlj'^. 

1608.  The  Seconde  day  of  December  I  did  ryde  to  Cam- 
bridge. 

The  xll*  of  December  I  retorned  home  from  the  Auditt." 

In  January,  1609-10,  we  find  him  recording  the  cir- 
cumstances under  which  he  resigned  his  auditorship,  as 
follows :  — 

"  The  22  &  23  (January)  Mr.  Dr.  Merlton^  came  to  speake 
w*^  me  about  the  reslgnlnge  of  my  office  In  Trinity  College  to 
Mr.  Brookes. 


1  Rev.  George  Meriton,  D.D.,  who  died  Dean  of  York,  23d  December,  1624,  and 
was  buried  in  the  south  aisle  of  York  Minster. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  33 

The  27  I  surrendered  my  Auditorship  in  Trlnitye  College 
to  the  Mr   fellowes  &  sehollers  before  a  pub.  notary. 

The  iiij">  of  Marche  I  dyned  at  Dr  Meriton's  in  Hadley 
&  received  of  him  a  xxl**  for  my  Auditorshippe. 

1610.  On  Munday  the  xvi"'  of  Aprill  Mr.  Eich.  Brooke  the 
nue  Auditor  of  Trinity  College  was  at  my  house  in  Groton,  to 
whom  I  dd.  divers  paper  books  &  Eoles  touchinge  his  office." 

From  the  following  entry  in  his  Diary,  it  appears  that 
he  held  other  offices  also  during  the  same  period,  of 
more  or  less  interest  and  importance  to  the  community 
in  which  he  hved :  — 

"  1602.  The  vij*'^  of  Aprill  I  was  appointed  by  Sf  W? 
Waldegraue  and  iij  other  Justices  to  be  one  of  the  Overseers 
of  the  poore  &  one  of  the  Serchers  of  Cloth  w^4n  Groton. 
Juratus  et  obligates." 

A  still  more  extended  view  of  his  various  employ- 
ments and  avocations  may  be  gathered  from  such  entries 
as  these :  — 

"  1606.  The  xv*^  day  of  Aprill  I  kept  a  Court  for  my 
brother  Snelling  at  Sliimplinge.^ 

The  xxviij'^  I  kept  a  Court  at  Groton  Hall. 

The  29  (June)  I  kept  a  Court  at  Shimplinge. 

The  2  day  (October)  I  kept  a  Court  for  Mr.  Manocke  at 
Toppefields. 

The  xxi^*  I  kept  a  Courte  &  leete  at  Shimplinge. 

The  xv^  (January)  I  satt  upon  a  Commission  with  Mr. 
Clopton  at  Lang^  ,    , 

The  xviij*^  (Marche)  I  did  keepe  a  Court  at  Toppesfields. 

1607.  The  22  of  July  I  was  sworne  one  of  the  Grande 
Jury  at  the  Assises  then  holden  at  Bury  before  my  L.  Coke. 
]Mr.  Eyce  was  the  foreman. 


1  A  parish  in  Suffolk  Coimty,  not  far  from  Lavenham. 
5 


34  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

The  vP  of  October  I  kept  a  leete  &  Court  baron  for  Mr. 
Edward  Newport  at  Bromley  Hall  in  Essex. 

1608.     The  last  of  June  I  made  Eob*  Waspes  Will. 
Oct.  24:^^  I  kept  a  Court  at  Bromley  Hall." 

Adam,  be  it  remembered,  at  this  busy  period,  was 
already  a  grandfather,  and  had  passed  his  sixtieth  birth- 
day. But  his  diary  and  almanacs  deal  with  many  other 
persons  besides  himself,  and  with  many  other  occurrences 
besides  those  in  which  he  was  himself  an  actor.  We 
find  him  sometimes  setting  down  with  particular  pre- 
cision the  rehgious  observances  of  the  time ;  as,  for 
instance,  in  the  following  entries :  — 

"  1596.  The  ix  of  August  my  brother  Weston  ^  preched  at 
Boxford,  sup.  13  Marcii  versu  ultimo,  pie  et  eloqueiUer. 

1603.  The  v^'^  day  [August]  was  celebrated  for  the  King's 
deliverance  in  Scotland  the  same  day  of  the  moneth  An°  [1583] 
from  being  murdered  by  the  Erie  of  Gowry.  Mr.  Birde  preached 
at  Boxforde  uppon  the  12  psalme,  pie  et  docte. 

1605.  The  xviii*'^  day  of  July  Mr.  Welshe  the  preacher 
of  Little  W  [aldingfield]  died,  &  was  buried  in  the  said  Churche 
the  20*"^  of  July,  Mr.  Knewstub  preached  the  funerall  Sermon, 
&  he  w*'^  other  preachers  carried  his  coffin -on  ther  shoulders. 

The  first  of  August  my  Cosyn  Munnings  preched  at  Box- 
ford  a  very  godly  &  learned  Sermon  uppon  the  5*"^  chap,  of 
Gen:  v.  1.  2.  3. 

The  xxix*''  [August]  Mr.  Eogers^  preached  at  Boxford, 
Jam.  4.  1.  2.  3.  4. 

1606.  The  xiiii*  of  Sept.  Mr.  Sands  preched  at  Groton. 

1607.  The  last  of  Decembr.  Mr.  Williii  Amyes^  preached 
at  Boxford  uppon  the  80  psalme,  &  first  verse,  pie  et  docte. 

1  Roger  Weston,  Vicar  of  Wormingforde,  Essex  Co.,  who  had  married  a  sister  of 
Adam  Winthrop's  wife.    He  died  2d  December,  1608. 

2  Doubtless  of  Dedham,  Co.  Essex. 

3  William  Ames,  the  learned  Puritan  preacher  and  writer,  the  author  of  "  Medulla 
Theologica,"  and  professor  in  the  University  of  Franeker  in  Holland  in  1629. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  35 

1616.      March  9.     Mr.  Sands  preched  at  y®  Communion. 

1619.  March  1.  Ash  Wedensday,  the  first  day  of  Lent, 
Mr.  Layfield  pi-eached  at  Boxforde. 

8,  9.  The  Assizes  at  Bury.  Mr.  Miininge  preached  before 
the  Judges.     Mr.  Vertue  preached  at  Boxforde. 

1620.  April  17.    Mr.  Rogers  of  Dedham  preached  at  cur- 

fey. 

My  Cosen  Jeremy  Raven  ^  preached  at  Boxforde  on  Sonday 
in  the  afternoone,  18  Junii,  1620.     Psal.  136.  v.  15." 

Sometimes  we  find  him  recording  events  of  wider  and 
more  public  interest ;  as,  for  'example,  in  the  years 
1602-3-4:  — 

"  1602.  On  Wedensdaye  the  xxiiii  of  Marche  Queen  Eliza- 
beth died  &  James  the  vi''^  Kinge  of  Scotland  was  proclaymed 
the  next  day  at  London,  &  on  Saturday  the  xxvii**^  at  Colches- 
ter &  Sudbury  w^^  the  great  rejoicings  of  all  men. 

The  iiii  of  ApriU  Dr.  NeviU  M-:  of  Trinitie  College  in 
Cambrige  &  Deane  of  Canterbury  went  towarde  Scotlande  in 
the  name  of  the  Clergie. 

The  xvi^^  of  Aprill  being  Saturday  the  Eanges  ma*''  came 
to  the  Citty  of  York. 

The  x\Tii  of  Aprill  Mr.  Clopton  toulde  me  that  the  Kinge 
had  sworne  the  Erles  of  Northumberland  &  Cumberland  of  his 
privy  counseU  &  also  the  L.  Tho.  Howard  &  the  L.  Mounta- 
gue,  &  that  the  Lord  Howarde  should  iSe  L.  Chamberlayne. 

The  21  the  Kinge  did  come  to  Shrewsbury,  the  22  to 
Newarke,  the  23  to  Bever  Castle. 

The  23  of  Aprill  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  were  sworne 
to  the  Kinge  &  appointed  Justices  by  force  of  a  nue  Com- 
mission. 


1  Doubtless  a  cousin  of  Adam  Winthrop's  wife.  In  Adam's  account-book,  he  men- 
tions having  paid  (as  executor  of  his  father-in-law,  Henry  Browne)  a  legacy  of  xl'.  to 
his  uncle  Raven,  and  another  of  the  same  amount  to  John  Raven.  John  was  a  native 
of  Hadleigh,  and  Rouge  Dragon  in  the  Herald's  Office  in  1589.  —  Proceedings  of  Suff. 
Inst,  of  ArcJuBology,  vol.  iii.  pp.  136  and  175. 


36  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

The  28th  day  was  the  funeralles  kept  at  Westm':  for  o''  late 
Queene  Elizabeth. 

The day  the  Kings  ma^  was  at  Cambridge. 

The  tliird  of  May  the  K.  came  to  Teboldes^  to  Sr.  Eobert 
Cecilles  house. 

Mem.  that  the  K.  ma*'*'  sett  forth  a  proclamation  giuen  at 
Theobaldes  ^  the  vii''^  of  May  against  licenses  granted  by  the  late 
Q.  to  private  persons  of  all  monopolies  &  against  prophaninge 
of  the  Saboth  by  interludes  Bulbaitinge  &  all  other  games. 

1603.  March  15.  King  James  Q.  Anne  and  Henry  y® 
prince  of  Wales  rode  through  y®  Cytty  of  London  from  y^ 
Tower  to  Whighthall. 

19.  The  Parleament  began  at  Westminster  where  the  K. 
made  an  Eloquent  Oration  to  y®  Lordes  and  Coiiions. 

1604.  the  xxix*"^  (Aprill)  my  Cosen  Munninge  was  at  Gro- 
ton  &  showed  me  a  booke  in  Latine,  De  Unione  Britannia. 

24  Oct.  It  was  proclaymed  that  England  &  Scotland 
should  be  called  Great  Brittaine." 

Such  entries  as  these,  in  any  almanac  or  diary  of 
modern  days,  would  by  no  means  imply  any  peculiar 
information  on  the  part  of  the  person  by  whom  they  had 
been  made.  Any  one  might  easily  copy  them  from  a 
Court  Journal  or  a  Royal  Gazette.  But  it  must  not 
be  forgotten,  that  newspapers  were  quite  unknown  at 
the  time  these  entries  were  made.  The  old  story  of 
the  "  English  Mercuric,"  published  by  authority  "  for  the 
prevention  of  false  reports,"  and  commenced  under  the 
special  patronage  of  Queen  Elizabeth  and  Burleigh,  at 


1  Theobald's  was  a  famous  place  for  the  royal  sports  in  those  days.  While  Sir 
Eobert  Cecil,  then  Earl  of  Salisbury,  was  entertaining  the  kings  of  England  and  Den- 
mark there,  his  Britannic  majesty  is  said  to  have  become  so  intoxicated  as  to  be  obliged 
to  be  put  to  bed.  Salisbury  afterwards  sold  it  to  James,  and  it  became  his  favorite 
residence.  —  Knighfs  Popular  History  of  England^  vol.  iii.  pp.  339-40.  An  odd  place, 
certainly,  for  so  pious  a  proclamation  to  date  from! 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROr.  37 

the  period  of  the  Spanish  Ai-mada,  seems  now  to  have 
been  enthely  exploded.^  The  first  genuine  Enghsh 
newspaper  was  the  "Weekly  News"  of  1622.  It  is 
quite  possible  that  special  buUetms  or  "  Currantoes  "  of 
a  royal  progress  may  have  been  printed  and  cu'culated 
at  the  time ;  and  we  know  that  King  James's  Pro- 
gresses were  afterwards  served  up  in  a  considerable 
tract,  which  has  been  incorporated  into  Nichols's  elabo- 
rate work  ^  on  the  same  subject.  But,  unless  Adam  ob- 
tamed  his  facts  from  some  such  pubhc  sources,  he  must 
not  only  have  had  his  eyes  and  ears  wide  open  to  the 
movements  of  royalty,  in  order  to  keep  the  record  so 
exactly  from  day  to  day,  but  must  have  been  m  the  way 
of  meeting  those  who  could  tell  him  something  about 
them. 

Here  are  other  entries  of  somewhat  the  same  general 
interest :  — - 

"  1595.  The  3.  4.  &  5  dales  of  October  Sir  W?  Walde- 
graue  mustred  all  bis  sould''%  viz.  400,  uppon  a  hill  nere  Sud- 
bury. 

The  of  Marche  Sr  Robert  Winckfilde  the  ancientest 

Knight  in  SufF.  died,  &  Sf  Francis  Hynde  of  Cambridgeshire 
the  21  of  the  same  moneth. 

1596.  The  vi*^  day  of  July  the  Assizes  were  holden  at 
Bury.  The  same  day  was  the  Commencement  at  Cambridge 
<fc  Mr.  Overall^  was  made  Df  of  Divinitie. 

1603.  The  23  dale  of  July  my  brother  IMUdmay  was  made 
a  knight  at  WhighthaU.^ 

The  25*^  daye  the  Kings  ma"*  was  crowned  at  Westm^ 


1  Encyclopaedia  Britannica,  8th  ed., "  Newspapers." 

2  Progresses,  &c.,  of  King  James  I.    London,  1828.     4  vols.  4to. 

8  A  distLnguished  son  of  Hadleigh,  who  died.  Bishop  of  Norwich,  in  1619. 
*  Sir  Thomas  Mildmay  of  Springfield  Barnes. 


38  .  LIFE   AJSTD   LETTERS 

1607.  The  viii*'^  of  Feb.  beinge  Shrove  tuesday  the  L. 
Cokes  seconde  soonne  maryed  the  daughter  &  heu'e  of  Sf 
George  Waldegraue  at  Hicham. 

1608.  The  xxv*^  of  July  my  lorde  Coke  chiefe  Justice 
of  the  Coriion  Plaies  came  to  Hicham  to  S^  G.  Waldegraues 
cum  magno  comitatu  amicoru  ei  famuloru  stipatus. 

1609.  The  xiiii**^  (March)  the  Assizes  were  holden  at 
Chelmesforde  by  Baron  Altham  only,  &  S""  Tho  :  Mildmay  of 
Barnes  in  Springfield  was  highe  shreve. 

1617.  May  9.  Sir  Fra  :  Bacon  L.  Keeper  came  to  West- 
minster Hall  with  a  great  company  of  noblemen  and  others, 
to  take  his  place  in  the  Chancery. 

24.  Serjent  Hutton  was  sworn  one  of  the  justices  of  the 
Coinon  Plees." 

Sometimes  he  jots  down  the  social  incidents  of  his 
household,  as  follows  :  — 

"  1596.  The  xv*^  daye  of  Aprill  Mr.  Gawen  Harvey  the 
youngest  soonne  of  Mr.  George  Harvey^  highe  shreve  of  Essex 
came  to  my  house,  &  the  xix'*^  daye  he  &,  my  nephewe  Henry 
Mildmay  departed  towardes  Springfield  in  Essex. 

The  xi'^  (July)  my  cosen  Alibaster  came  to  my  house. 

The  xiii  day  my  cosen  Alib.  fatcbatur  se  esse  papistam. 

1601.  On  Saturday  the  vii'^  of  August  my  sister  MUdmay, 
my  cosen  Thomas  her  sonne,  my  cosen  Browne  &  his  wife, 
came  to  my  house  &  departed  the  xiii*'*.  The  ix*'*  day  my  sister 
Alib.  &  my  sister  Veysye  came  to  my  house  where  fyve  of  us 
that  are  bretheren  &  systers  mette  &  made  mery  w*'^  we  had 
not  doone  in  xvi  yeres  before.^ 

1  Both  father  and  son  were  afterwards  knighted,  and  were  known  respectively  as 
Sir  George  Hervey  and  Sir  Gawin  Hervey  of  Marks  Hall,  Essex.  In  one  of  the  old 
almanacs,  the  death  of  the  father  is  thus  noted:  "Aug.  8,  1605,  Sir  George  Harvy 
Lieutent  of  ye  Tower  died,  set.  72."  They  were  of  the  same  stock  with  that  of  the 
present  Marquis  of  Bristol,  as  may  be  seen  on  the  pedigree  appended  to  the  account 
of  the  Hervey  Family  by  my  valued  friend,  the  Venerable  Lord  Arthur  Hervey,  Arch- 
deacon of  Sudbury.  —  Proceedings  of  Suffolk  Institute  of  Archmohgy,  vol.  ii.  No.  1. 

2  Of  the  five  brethren  and  sisters  present  on  this  occasion,  Adam  and  his  wife  were 
of  course,  two.  The  other  three  were  his  sisters  Alice  Mildmay,  Bridget  Alibaster, 
and  Mary,  the  wife  of  Abraham  Veysye,  of  Ipswich 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  39 

1603.  The  xxi"^  (Sep*;)  my  cosen  Alibaster  came  to  my 
house  &  shewed  me  his  pardon  dated  the  x"^  of  Septembre. 

1604.  The  xiii  day  of  August  Sf  Isaac  Appulton  came  to 
speake  w^  me.^ 

1608.  The  iiii"'  (October)  Sf  Eobert  Crane  sent  his  coche 
for  me  my  wjfe  &  my  daught'  Wmthrop  to  dine  with  him  at 
Chilton. 

1617.  September  11.  IVIr.  Egerton  and  Mr.  Knewstub 
pernoctahant  nohiscum.'^ 

1619.  March  15.  Sir  Jo  :  Deane  and  my  lady  dined  with 
us.     Mr.  Pilgrime  preached  at  B. 

1620.  August  26.     Sir  Tho.  Savage  sent  half  a  bucke.^ 

1621.  March  4.  Mrs.  Clop  ton  and  Eliz.  her  daugh  :  dined 
with  us. 

]\Iay  24.     Sir  Hen  :  Mildemay  and  his  lady  dined  here." 

The  entries  are  often  still  more  purely  domestic,  and 
sometimes  even  ludicrously  personal ;  as  for  example :  — 

"  1597.  The  22  day  of  Aprlll  Grymble  my  great  mastiffe 
was  hanged,  a  gentle  dog  iu  the  howse  but  eyes  oft  blind. 

1601.  The  2  of  Jan.  M^  Mannocke  sent  me  iii  yardes  of 
Satten  for  a  token  of  this  nue  yere.'* 

1603.  The  xi*^  of  ApriU  I  &  my  wyfe  did  ride  to  Bock- 
inge  to  the  christeninge  of  my  Cosen  Firmins  clulde,  who  was 
named  Joseph. 

1606.  The  viii*  of  Jan.  father  Smythe  of  Toppesfilde 
came  to  me  &  brought  me  a  fatt  capon,  &  James  Betts  a  bottle 
of  Secke.  Also,  M"^  Alston  sent  me  a  fatt  goose  &  a  bottle  of 
muskadiue  on  nue  yeres  daye.^ 

1  Four  years  later,  the  following  entry  is  found :  — 

"  1608.     The  xiiij'^  of  Sept.  S'.  Isaac  Appulton,  knight,  died  at  Little  Waldingfield." 

2  The  names  of  Knewstubs  and  Egerton  are  found  among  the  signers  of  "  The  Mil- 
lenary Petition"  (subscribed  by  a  thousand  ministers),  for  a  refonnation  of  the  church, 
in  1603-4;  which  led  to  what  is  known  as  King  James's  version  of  the  Bible,  1611. 

3  Sir  Thomas  was  of  Melford  Hall,  where  the  venison  is  still  noted  for  its  fatness. 
I  was  told,  when  I  visited  the  Hall  in  July,  1859,  that  some  of  the  deer  had  lately  been 
purchased  to  stock  one  of  the  parks  of  the  Emperor  of  the  French. 

*  Xew-Tear's  presents,  it  seems,  did  not  wait  imtil  the  25th  of  March ;  which  was 
the  beginning  of  the  year,  according  to  Old  Style. 


40  LITE   AND  LETTEES 

1608.  The  1  of  November  my  daughtr  Pones'  daughtT  was 
christened.  Sf  Kob*  Crane  &  his  Lady  were  present  &  she 
was  witnesse  w*''  Mres.  Sampson  &  Mres.  Bronde  &  myselfe. 
She  named  the  childe  Dorothey. 

1610.  The  xiii*  of  June  my  Cosen  Munninge  &  Mr.  Mar- 
cellyne  were  at  my  house,  at  w*^^  tyme  I  did  give  my  Cosen  a 
Scotch  dagger  &  Mr.  Marcellyne  a  nue  knyfe. 

1622.     May  4.     My  son  rode  to  London  ;  harlam  scidi. 

July  21.     I  brused  my  shin. 

August  10.     Dies  natalis  mei  A.  W.  sen'  1548,  aet  73. 

October  17.  My  wife  had  two  of  her  great  teeth  pulled 
out." 

A  fair  sample  of  all  the  varieties  of  memoranda  has 
thus  been  furnished ;  and  more  of  them  may  perhaps  be 
given  in  our  Appendix,  as  supplying  names  and  dates 
which  may  be  of  interest,  and  even  of  importance,  on 
the  other  side  of  the  ocean,  if  not  on  this. 

Nor  is  there  wanting  in  these  ancient  diaries  an  occa- 
sional instance  of  the  same  fancy  for  rhyming,  of  which 
we  have  already  seen  so  considerable  a  specimen.  Thus 
the  almanac  for  1620,  which  seems  to  have  been  pre- 
pared as  a  keepsake  for  John  Winthrop  the  younger, 
when  he  was  a  boy,  and  in  which  many  of  the  entries 
are  made  as  if  in  his  person,  contains  the  following 
inscription  on  the  fly-leaf:  — 

"Nomine  Johannes  dictus,  cognomine  Winthrop, 
Sum  ;  possessorem  quem  vocat  iste  liber. 

Though  that  j^  Sun  doth  shine  most  bright 
Yet  dooth  the  Moone  rule  al  the  night. 
The  Starres  also  their  course  doe  keepe, 
When  men  are  laide  and  faste  doe  sleepe. 
But  God  alone  dooth  rule  them  all, 
And  by  his  woorde  they  rise  and  fall. 
;     A.  W.  G." 

It  must  be  remembered,  that  Adam  Winthrop,  the 
grandfather,  was  more  than  threescore  and  ten  years  old 


OF  JOHN   WESTTHROP.  4l 

when  this  was  written;  while  the  grandson,  on  whom 
he  evidently  doted,  was  a  boy  of  hardly  more  than 
fourteen. 

The  first  entry  in  this  almanac,  written  in  behalf  of 
the  grandson,  is  the  following :  — 

"  1619.  Jan.  6.  My  cosin  Henry  Mildmay  was  baptized, 
being  12  dales  olde.  The  same  day,  IVIr.  Chaplia  preached  at 
Boxforde." 

This  must  have  been  the  child  to  whom  the  bu'thday 
verses  were  addressed.  No  doubt  there  was  a  grand 
Twelfth-Night  christening  frolic  at  Graces,^  at  which  the 
fond  old  grandfather  figured  largely  as  the  poet-lau- 
reate. 

There  is  another  volume  extant,  besides  the  old  alma- 
nacs, which  also  bears  evidence  to  Adam  Winthrop's 
poetical  turn,  both  in  English  and  Latin;  and  which 
contains  abundant  testimony,  moreover,  to  his  careful 
reading  and  precise  information.  This  is  the  work  enti- 
tled "  A  Perambulation  of  Kent,  conteining  the  Descrip- 
tion, Hystorie,  and  Customes  of  that  Shyre :  Written  in 
the  year  1570,  by  Wilham  Lambarde  of  Lincolnes  Inne, 
Gent:  first  published  in  the  yeere  1576,  and  now  in- 
creased and  altered  after  the  Author's  own  last  copie. 
Imprinted  at  London,  by  Edm.  Bollifant,  1596."^ 

The  book  is  in  the  hbrary  of  the  Massachusetts  His- 
torical Society,  with  an  inscription  on  the  reverse  of  the 


1  In  the  parish  of  Baddow,  near  Chelmsford,  Essex  County,  the  seat  of  Sir  Henry 
Mildmay. 

2  In  Adam's  diary,  at  the  end  of  the  year  1597,  he  makes  a  special  note,  that  he  had 
lent  his  Perambulation  of  Kent  to  Mr.  Nicholson,  the  minister  of  Groton. 

6 


42  LIFE   AND  LETTERS 

fly-leaf,  showing  that  it  was  given  to  Adam  Winthrop 
by  his  friend  Mr.  John  Grimwade.  On  the  reverse  of 
the  titlepage,  there  is  an  elaborate  Latin  ode,  in  praise 
of  the  author,  in  Adam's  handwriting,  and  plainly  of 
his  own  composition.  Having  done  his  best  to  emulate 
the  Horatian  measures,  he  concludes  by  quoting  Horace 
outright,  as  follows  :  — 

"  Dignum  laude  virum  Musa  vetat  mori." 

The  book  is  dedicated  to  "  the  Right  WorshipfuU  and 
vertuous  Mr.  Thomas  Wotton  Esquier;"  and  Wotton 
himself  appends  to  the  dedication  a  most  complimentary 
recommendation  of  it  "  To  his  Countriemen,  the  Gentle- 
men of  the  Countie  of  Kent."  Whereupon  our  Adam 
is  moved  to  take  up  his  pen  again,  and  indite  two  more 
Latin  lines,  which  we  spare  our  readers ;  and  then  an 
English  stanza  in  honor  of  Wotton,  written  in  what 
seems  to  be  a  Saxon  character,  as  follows :  — 

' '  Although  this  work  great  fame  hath  won 
By  Lambarde's  learned  skiU, 
Yet  greater  praise  to  it  doth  come 
Through  Wotton's  friendly  quill." 

Autograph  notes  and  references  by  Adam  Winthrop 
are  found  in  the  margin  of  almost  every  page  of  this 
ancient  volume,  and  show  great  familiarity  with  other 
books  as  well  as  with  this.  He  seems  particularly  inter- 
ested in  schools ;  and  makes  a  special  note,  that  "  Mr. 
Wilham  Lambe  erected  a  free  schoole  at  Sutton  Valence 
where  he  was  borne,  and  appointed  for  y^  M'  20  lb.  and 
for  the  Usher  10  lb.  yerelye."  Again  he  says,  "  A  free 
schoole  in  Tunnebridge,  vide  Stowe,  in  aho  5  Ed.  6." 
On  the  blank  leaves  at  the  end  of  the  volume  is  found, 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  43 

in  his  largest  and  most  careful  hand,  "  A  table  of  y® 
Martyrs  w""^  suffered  in  Kent  in  the  reigne  of  Queene 
Mary,"  —  fifty-seven  in  all.  Sundry  providential  judg- 
ments upon  the  persecutors  are  carefully  noted,  and 
everywhere  the  sphit  of  the  Reformation  is  clearly 
indicated.-"^ 

Many  other  mteresting  memorials  of  Adam  Winthrop 
are  found  among  the  family  papers  more  recently  disco- 
vered; and,  among  them,  a  manuscript  commonplace 
book,  contauiing  an  account  of  "  the  manner  and  order 
of  y^  execution  of  y®  late  Queene  of  Scottes,  w*"^  y® 
wordes  w"^^  she  spake  at  hk  deathe,  truely  sett  downe 
by  Docto''  Fletcher,  Deane  of  Peterborowe,"  with  an 
original  Latin  ode  on  her  death ;  and  also  an  account 
of"  The  Confession  &  Execution  of  Sir  Walter  Raleighe," 
with  the  letter  written  to  his  mfe  the  night  before  he 
died.  Both  these  accounts,  as  far  as  they  go,  seem  to 
be  almost  identical  with  those  which  have  already  foimd 
their  way  mto  the  authentic  history  of  the  sad  events 
which  they  describe ;  and  they  are  only  mentioned  as 
indicatmg  the  class  of  events  to  which  Adam's  common- 
place book  was  devoted.  Another  little  autograph  book 
contains  a  number  of  poetical  versions  into  English  of 


1  In  the  libraiy  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  there  is  also  a  little  tract, 
entitled  "  The  Commendation  of  Cockes  &  Cockfighting :  Wherein  is  shewed,  that 
Cockefighting  was  before  the  Coming  of  Christ,"  by  George  Wilson,  1607;  which  has 
many  notes  by  Adam  Winthrop,  both  in  Latin  and  in  English,  in  prose  and  in  poetry. 
In  the  game  volume  with  this  tract  is  bound  up  "  The  Infallible  True  &  Assured  Witch : 
or  The  Second  Edition  of  the  Tryall  of  Witchcraft,  by  John  Cotta,  Doctor  in  Physicke, 
London,  1624."  There  is  reason  for  thinking  that  this  Dr.  Cotta  was  the  husband  of 
Adam's  sister  Susanna,  who  is  named  in  the  old  pedigree  as  Z>.  Cottie.  An  old  family 
memorandum  refers  to  the  Cottie,  or  Cotta,  who  married  Adam's  sister,. as  having 
written  a  book  on  witchcraft. 


44  .  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

Henry  Peacham's  "  Emblemata  Selecta."  Our  readers 
will  willingly  excuse  the  omission  of  such  compositions  as 
these  ;  but  they  would  not,  perhaps,  be  as  willing  to  spare 
the  following  letters,  which  passed  between  the  fond  old 
uncle  and  his  loving  niece,  the  Lady  Mildmay,  only  a 
year  or  two  before  his  death,  and  which  are  found  care- 
'  fully  copied  into  one  of  the  same  volumes.  They  belong 
to  the  family  history,  and  give  a  most  agreeable  impres- 
sion of  both  parties  to  the  correspondence. 

The  Lady  Mildmay  to  Adam  Winihrop. 

"  LoviNGE  Uncle,  my  longe  silence  in  not  testlfienge  my 
thanckefulnes  for  yof  kinde  letters,  and  those  good  bookes,  w'^'^  I 
then  received  from  you,  may  give  you  iust  cause  to  thincke  mee 
unmyndfull  of  yo^  love  :  and  so  all  yoF  kindnes  bestowed  on  mee 
buried  in  forgetfulness.  I  doe  novice  vv^ith  the  acknowledginge 
of  my  faulte  herein  crave  pardon ;  assuringe  you,  good  uncle, 
that  my  illnesse,  some  good  time  before  my  deliverance,  vras 
the  greate  cause  of  my  silence.  God  hath  bin  wonderfull  mer- 
cifull  unto  mee,  not  onlie  in  givinge  mee  safe  deliverance,  but 
also  in  restoringe  me  to  somme  strengthe  again  :  so  as  I  have 
good  hope  to  see  you  ere  longe.  Desiringe  still  the  continu- 
ance of  yo^  good  praiers  for  yo^  nephew,  my  selfe  and  all 
ours ;  that  God  woulde  more  enlighten  oF  hartes  with  the 
knowledge  of  his  will,  and  give  us  more  sinceritie  in  the  per- 
formance of  it.  Thus  good  uncle  w*^  myne  &  Mf  Mildmaies 
love  remembred  unto  yof  selfe  &  my  Aunt,  I  committe  you  to 
God,  &  to  the  worde  of  his  grace,  Desiringe  him  to  multiplie 
his  favours  uppon  yof  selfe  &  familie ;  to  whose  protection  I 
commende  you,  &  will  reste  ever  yours  in  all  love, 

"  Amy  Meldmat. 

"  ffrom  Graces 

the  XXX""  of  August,  1621." 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  45 


Adam  Winthrop  to  the  Lady  Mildmay. 

* '  Most  lovtnge  neece  most  worthie  to  be  loved  and  honored 
alwaies  by  mee  — 
"I  received  piu-e  honye,  and  not  bare  wordes  in  the  letter 
w****  you  sente  unto  mee.  The  sweetnes  whereof  dothe  so  de- 
light mee,  that  I  shall  never  forget  the  remembrance  of  yo";  love 
therein  expressed.  I  knowe  not  ho  we  to  value  the  price  thereof 
beinge  so  effectuallie  &  lovinglie  shewed  :  but  to  recompence  it 
w*"^  the  like  (thoughe  I  gladely  woulde)  I  finde  my  selfe  not  able. 
ffor  you  have  ministered  unto  me  a  nue  occasion  to  augment 
my  desire  to  love  you,  &  to  admire  those  excellent  giftes  & 
graces  of  wisdome  &  learninge,  w*^"^  I  nowe  plainelie  see  to  bee 
in  you.  Wherefore  I  thincke  myselfe  happie  to  inioye  yof  love, 
and  acknowledge  it  for  a  great  blessinge  that  you  vouchsafe  to 
thincke  me  worthie  of  it.  The  w*^*^  I  doe  faithfullie  vowe  by  all 
meanes  to  preserve  and  maintaine  so  long  as  we  live  together 
in  this  transitory  life."  (Adam  Winthrop.) 


The  Lady  Mildmay  to  Adam  Winthrop. 

"24  of  November,  1621. 

"Worthy  uncle,  If  my  meanes  coulde  in  any  measure 
equall  the  height  of  my  desire,  I  shoulde  be  studious  to  expresse 
myselfe  reallie  thanckfull  for  the  greate  respecte  w'^'^  I  have 
alwaies  founde  in  yo'  selfe  &  familie :  I  praie  God  give  mee 
grace  to  walke  woorthie  of  yof  Love  ;  w''^  I  haye  founde  so  con- 
stant, as  I  have  greathe  marvailed  why  you  shoulde  bestowe 
so  great  Love  of  one  of  so  smale  merite.  It  is  God  his  mercie 
unto  me,  to  whom  I  doe  desire  to  be  thanckefull  as  the  first,  & 
to  yo^  selfe  as  the  seconde.  As  for  many,  so  this  last  token  of 
yo^  great  love  unto  me,  w*^^  I  cannot  any  waie  requight,  neither 
are  woordes  of  force  to  discharge  so  great  a  dett,  as  I  doe,  & 
ever  will  acknowledge  deservedly  due  unto  you.  And  although, 
good  uncle,  I  do  not  saie,  have  patience  &  I  will  paie,  yet  I 


46  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

doe  desire  that  in  yo^  Love  you  woulde  be  pleased  to  accepte  of 
this  verball  acknowledgement,  till  a  more  actuall  performance 
discharge  somme  parte  of  y!  w*^^  I  owe.  I  have  read  w*'^  great 
comforte  a  true  description  of  the  gratious  life  and  blessed 
deathe  of  yof  woorthie  sister.^  I  doute  not  but  her  praires 
have,  and  will  be  eifectuall  to  drawe  goddes  blessinges  uppon  her 
posteritie  :  I  praie  God  perfitt  his  woorke  of  grace,  where  it  is 
begunne  in  any  of  us  :  that  wee  maye  walke  as  shee  hathe  given 
us  an  example.  Thus,  good  uncle,  fearinge  my  scribblinge 
lynes  wilbe  troublesome  in  the  readinge,  w**^  my  best  affection 
I  commit  you  to  God  :  Desiring  him  to  continue  his  aboundant 
grace  unto  you ;  that  you  may  bee  as  the  light  that  shyneth 
more  unto  the  perfitt  daie  :  To  whose  protection  I  commit  o'. 
soules  ;  &  rest  ever,  yof  lovinge  thoughe  unwoorthie  neece, 

"Amy  Mildmay." 

Adam  Winthrop  to  the  Lady  Mildmay. 

"Most  Kinde  Ladie,  YoF  sweete  lettres  cominge  from 
the  aboundance  of  yoF  Love,  were  ioyefully  received  into  the 
closet  of  my  best  affections,  (though  nowe  furred  w^'^  age  & 
no  suitable  harboure  for  suche  a  gueste.)  The  ioye  thereof 
hath  at  length  quickned  me  up  to  this  slender  testimony  of  my 
highe  esteeme  of  yof  love,  &  my  true  desire  to  nourishe  the 
same.  Alas  (good  Ladie)  can  there  any  lovelye  thinge  appeare 
to  you  in  so  crazed  a  bodie  &  mynde,  that  beinge  a  burden  to 
itselfe,  accounts  it  great  honor  from  the  Lorde  not  to  be 
offensive  to  my  friends,  nor  despised  of  my  betters  :  but  to  bee 
of  such  price  (as  you  please  to  have  mee)  in  a  trulie  noble  & 
woorthie  brest,  would  revive  my  conceite  to  some  highe  pitche 
of  myne  owne  worthe,  but  that  the  continual  sense  of  my 
infirmities  holdes  me  still  in  my  right  temper.  Beinge  nowe 
warned  by  age  to  expecte  my  change  daylie,  I  seeke  the  more  to 
withdrawe  my^  thoughts  from  other  things,  that  I  maie  more 
seriouslie  intende  my  preparations  for  it ;  as  the  most  needeful 

1  I  know  not  who  this  sister  could  have  been,  unless  the  Lady  Tyndall,  the  mother 
of  his  son's  third  wife,  were  so  called.    But  she  had  died  July  20,  1620. 


OF  JOHN'  WINTHROP.  47 

studie  for  all ;  especially  for  nice,  whose  time  of  dissolution  is 
even  at  liande.  Yet  so  longe  as  life  and  light  upholde  this 
hearte,  I  shall  not  cease  to  be  myndefull  of  yoF  Love ;  &  (as 
my  last  &  best  meanes  of  requitall)  laboure  to  laye  up  w*  the 
Lorde  some  pore  blessinge  of  praier,  w'^'^  may  be  remembred 
upon  you  &  yours,  for  yof  best  wellfare,  when  I  shall  sleep 
with  my  fathers."  (Adam  Winthrop.) 

On  the  16th  of  December,  1574,  this  Adam  Winthrop 
married  Alice  Still,  daughter  of  William  Still,  of  Gran- 
tham, Lincolnshhe,  and  sister  of  Dr.  John  Still,  then 
Master  of  Trmity  College,  Cambridge,^  and  afterwards 
Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells.  She  and  her  first-born 
child  died  24th  December,  1577;  and  were  buried 
together  in  Hadley  Church.  The  old  Latin  pedigree 
adds,  Protinus  mUrno  tnittlt  utrumciue  Deo.  Adam's 
diary  shows  that  his  relations  to  the  bishop  continued 
to  be  intimate  as  long  as  they  both  lived,  frequent  letters 
passing  between  them,  and  frequent  visits  being  inter- 
changed by  thek  children;  and  the  name  of  Still  has 
been  preserved  in  the  Winthrop  Family,  in  memory  of 
this  connection,  for  many  succeeding  generations. 

On  the  20th  February,  1579,  Adam  Winthrop  married, 
for  his  second  wife,  Anne,  the  daughter  of  Henry  Browne 
of  Edwardston,  clothier.  We  know  little  of  this  Henry 
Browne,  except  his  occupation  and  the  date  of  his  death, 
which  is  thus  noted  in  Adam's  diary  for  the  year 
1596:  — 

' '  The  vlii'*^  day  of  January  being  Saterday  my  father  Henry 

1  The  first  wife  of  Bishop  Still  was  Anne,  daughter  of  Thomas  Alabaster  of  Had- 
leigh,  in  the  county  of  Suffolk.  She  died  15th  April,  1593.  Roger  Alabaster,  who 
married  Adam  Winthrop's  sister  Bridget,  was  a  nephew  of  Anne.  The  families  were 
thus  doubly  connected. — Hist,  of  Hadleigh;  Proceedings  of  Suff.  Inst,  of  Archoeologtp 
vol.  iii.,  No.  1,  p.  140. 


48  LIFE   AND   LETTEES 

Browne  died  at  the  age  of  76  yeres  &  was  burled  In  Prittle- 
well  Churcli  In  Essex."  ^ 

A  little  note  of  his  to  Adam  Winthrop  is  found 
among  the  family  papers,  showing  a  good  handwriting, 
and  concluding  with  the  following  postscript,  which 
proves  that  he  was  interested  in  other  things  besides 
clothmaking :  "I  praye  you  send  me  my  boke  of 
Marters."^  Another  little  scrap  of  his  writing  is  still 
more  significant :  "  Christ  toke  not  o'"  nature  upon  hym 
to  be  a  patrone  to  y®  carver  or  paynter :  he  denied  that 
he  came  to  breake  the  law  &  the  prophets :  &  the  law  Sc 
prophetes  forbyd  ymages." 

Of  his  wife  Agnes,  not  even  the  maiden  name  has 
come  down  to  us ;  but  the  old  Latin  pedigree  says  that 
she  died  Dec.  17,  1590,  and  speaks  of  her  as  a  woman 
"  whose  heart  acknowledged  Christ  as  its  master."  ^ 
A  pleasant  impression  of  their  daughter  Anne,  who 
had  now  become  the  wife  of  Adam  Winthrop,  will  be 
derived  from  the  following  letter  to  her  husband,  written 
to  him  at  London,  doubtless  soon  after  their  marriage, 
as  it  mentions  no  children.  It  exhibits  her  as  an  indus- 
trious and  devoted  wife,  after  the  pattern  which  is  fur- 
nished us  in  the  Book  of  Proverbs :  "  She  seeketh  wool 
and  flax,  and  worketh  willingly  with  her  hands."  Her 
anxiety  to  have  her  Bible  sent  to  her  shows  that  she 

1  Adam  Winthrop's  account-book  contains  a  note  of  all  the  legacies  lie  paid  as  execu- 
tor of  Henry  Browne,  amounting  to  £297.  Among  them  is  one  of  £50  to  John  Speede, 
who  is  called  a  grandson  of  the  testator.     This  may  possibly  have  been  the  historian. 

2  "  The  Book  of  "Martyrs  became,  next  to  the  Bible,  the  book  most  loved  and  trea- 
sured in  the  homes  of  Protestant  England. "  —  Our  English  Home,  Oxford,  1860,  p.  178. 
Foxe's  "Acts  and  Monuments  of  the  Church,  or  Book  of  Martyrs,"  was  first  published 
in  England  in  1563. 

8  Agnes ,  the  wife  of  Henry  Browne,  died  17th  December,  1590:  Famina  qua 

Christum  corde  gerehat  herum. 


OF  JOHN  WINTKROP.  49 

knew  how  to  value  its  examples  and  its  precepts ;  and 
the  Httle  French  postscript,  in  which  she  repeats  her 
request  that  it  may  be  returned  to  her  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble by  the  wagoner,  and  speaks  of  it  as  a  French  Bible, 
indicates  that  she  waf  famihar  ^vith  at  least  one  language 
besides  her  oami. 


Anne  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"  I  have  reseyved,  (Right  deare  and  Avell-beloved)  from  you 
tills  week  a  letter,  though  short,  yet  very  sweete,  which  gave 
me  a  lyvely  tast  of  those  sweete  &  comfortable  wordes,  whiche 
alwayes  when  you  be  present  with  me,  are  wont  to  flowe  most 
aboundantlye  from  your  loving  hart,  —  wherebye  I  perseyve 
that  whether  you  be  j)resent  with  me,  or  absent  from  me,  you 
are  ever  one  towardes  me,  &  your  hart  remayneth  allwayes 
with  me.  "Wherefore  layinge  up  this  perswasion  of  you  in  my 
brest,  I  vnW.  most  assuredlye,  the  Lord  assistynge  me  by  his 
grace,  beare  alwayes  the  lyke  loving  hart  unto  you  agayne, 
untyll  suche  tjTne  as  I  may  more  fidly  enioye  your  loving  pre- 
sence :  but  in  the  meane  tyme  I  will  remayne  as  one  having  a 
great  inheritaunce,  or  riche  treasure,  and  it  beinge  by  force 
kept  from  him,  or  hee  beinge  in  a  strange  Gontrey,  and  cannot 
enioye  it ;  longethe  contynually  after  it,  sighinge  and  sorrow- 
inge  that  hee  is  so  long  berefte  of  it,  yet  reioyseth  that  hee 
hathe  so  greatt  tresure  pertayninge  to  him,  and  hopeth  that 
one  daye  the  tyme  will  come  that  hee  shall  inioye  it,  and  have 
the  wholle  benyfytt  of  it.  So  I  having  a  good  hoope  of  the 
tyme  to  com,  doe  more  paciently  beare  the  time  present,  and  I 
praye  send  me  word  if  you  be  in  helthe  and  what  sucsese  you 
have  with  your  letters.  I  sent  to  Cokynes  (  ?)  for  the  capones 
and  they  are  not  yet  fate,  as  soon  as  they  be  redye  I  will  send 
them.  I  send  you  this  weke  by  my  fathers  man  a  shyrte  and 
fyve  payer  of  hoses.  I  pray  sell  all  thes,  if  ye  wold  any  for 
your  o^Tie  werying  I  haue  mor  a  knyttynge.     I  pray  send  me  a 

7 


50  LITE   AND  LETTERS 

pound  of  starche  by  my  fathers  man.  You  may  very  well 
send  my  byble  if  it  be  redye  —  thus  with  my  verye  hartye  coin- 
endacions  I  byd  you  farewell  Coiiiittinge  you  to  almightye  God 
to  whome  I  commend  you  in  my  daylye  prayers  as  I  am  sure 
you  doe  me,  the  Lord  kep  us  now  &  ever  Amen. 

"  Your  loving  wife  •  Anne  Winthkoppe. 

' '  Je  vous  rende  grace  de  la  bien  souvenance  que  vous  avez 
de  moy  bible  francois,  Je  vous  prie  de  I'envoyer  en  br^f  par 
le  Rouillier. 

' '  If  my  brother  Wintropp  be  at  Londone  I  pray  forgett  not 
to  saye  my  very  hartye  Coiiiendacions  unto  him." 

By  this  second  wife,  Adam  had  five  children.  Four 
of  them  vrere  daughters,  as  follows :  — 

Anne,  born  Jan.  5,  1580-1 ;  died  Jan.  20,  1580-1. 

Anne,  born  Jan.  16,  1585-6;  married  Thomas  Fones,^  Feb.  25, 
1604-5  ;   died  May  16,  1618. 

Jane,  baptized  June  17,  1592 ;  married  Thomas  Gostling,^  Jan.  5, 
1612. 

Lucy,  born  Jan.  9,  1600-1 ;  married  Emanuel  Downing,^  April  10, 
1622. 

Two   years    after  the   bkth  of  the   second   of  these 


1  An  ancient  pedigree  of  the  Fones  Family  goes  back  six  generations  behind  Thomas 
to  "  W?  Fownes  of  Saxbie,  Esq.,"  who  married  a  daughter  of  "  S'  Kob'.  Hyelton,  kt: " 
Thomas  is  styled  "  Citizen  &  Apothecary  of  London." 

2  Gostling,  or  Gostlyn,  was  a  clothier  of  Suffolk  County. 

3  Emanuel  Downing  was  a  lawyer  of  the  Inner  Temple,  London ;  and  afterwards, 
for  many  years,  a  resident  in  New  England.  He  had  married  for  his  first  wife  a  daughter 
of  Sir  James  Ware,  the  father  of  that  learned  Sir  James  Ware  who  has  been  styled  the 
Camden  of  Ireland.  By  her  he  had  several  children.  The  first  child  of  his  second 
marriage  (with  Lucy  Winthrop)  was  the  somewhat  celebrated  Sir  George  Downing, 
who  was  of  the  first 'class  of  graduates  at  Harvard  College  (1642),  and  whose  diplomatic 
services  under  both  Cromwell  and  Charles  II.  are  too  well  known  to  history  to  require 
further  allusion.  One  of  Sir  George's  sisters  was  the  second  wife  of  Governor  Simon 
Bradstreet.  Aiiother  (Mary)  married  Thomas  Barnardiston,  of  the  old  knightly  family 
of  Bamardistons  at  Kedington,  Suffolk  County,  England.  The  death  of  their  son, 
without  issue,  secured  the  endowment  of  Downing  College. 


or  JOHN  WINTHROP.  51 

daughters,  and  under  the  date  of  1587,  the  folio wmg 
record  is  found  in  the  very  words  of  the  happy  father :  — 

"John,  the  only  sonne  of  Adam  Winthrop  and  Anne  his 
wife,  was  borne  in  Edwardston  abovesald  on  Thursday  about 
5  of  the  clocke  in  the  morning  the  12  daie  of  January  anno 
1587  in  the  30  yere  of  the  reigne  of  Qu :  Eliza : " 

Edwardston  has  akeady  been  mentioned  as  a  httle 
village  in  Suffolk  County,  immediately  adjoining  Groton. 
The  mother  had  probably  gone  there  to  pay  a  visit  to 
her  parents.  Or  perhaps  Adam  Winthrop  may  have 
had  a  country  residence  there,  before  he  came  into  pos- 
session of  the  Groton  estate. 


52  LIFE  Am)  LETTEKS 


CHAPTEE  IV. 

BIRTH   AND   EARLY   YEARS    OF    JOHN  WINTHROP.      HIS  EDUCATION 
AND  FIRST  MARRIAGE. 

John  Winthrop,  who  came  to  America  in  1630  as 
Governor  of  Massachusetts,  was  born,  as  we  have  seen, 
at  Edwardston,  near  the  family  seat  at  Groton,  in  the 
county  of  Suffolk,  England,  on  the  twelfth  day  of  Janu- 
ary, 1587,  old  style  ;  or,  as  we  now  should  register  it,  on 
the  twenty-second  day  of  January,  1588.  It  may  help 
to  fix  the  period  more  distinctly  in  our  minds,  if  we 
remember  that  less  than  a  year  had  elapsed  since  the. 
ti'agical  death  of  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots ;  and  that,  before 
another  year  should  pass  away,  the  grand  Spanish  Armada 
would  be  hovering  on  the  coast  of  England.  He  was  the 
only  son  of  Adam  Winthrop,  the  third  of  that  name,  and 
Anne  Browne,  of  Edwardston;  and  the  particularity 
with  which  his  bhth  is  recorded  —  the  precise  day  of 
the  week,  and  even  the  precise  hour  of  the  day  —  might 
almost  seem  like  the  prognostication  of  a  more  than 
ordinary  career.  But  the  record  ends  here,  and  we 
have  no  details  of  his  childhood.  His  parents  lived 
mitil  within  a  few  years  of  his  coming  over  to  New 
England,  the. mother  dying  only  a  twelvemonth  before 
his  embarkation;  and  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
years  of  his  married  life,  and  of  such  absences  from 
home  as  his  education  or  his  professional  pursuits  may 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  53 

have  occasioned,  he  appears  to  have  resided  generally 
with  them  at  Groton  Manor. 

The  domestic  incidents  which  have  been  gleaned  from 
the  old  diary  and  almanacs  of  his  father,  ui  the  pre- 
vious chapter,  will  have  given  a  sufficient  idea  of  the 
influences  and  associations  which  attended  his  boyhood. 
His  home  was  plainly  the  scene  of  a  hberal  hospitality, 
where  he  must  not  only  have  had  the  aff'ectionate  super- 
vision of  mtelligent  and  well-informed  parents,  but 
where  he  must  have  enjoyed  the  advantage  of  the  best 
social  mtercourse  which  the  neighborhood  afforded.  The 
judges  and  law^-ers  on  their  circuits,  and  the  ministers 
of  the  adjoining  parishes  in  Suff'olk  and  in  Essex  on 
then*  occasional  exchanges,  besides  the  numerous  lead- 
ing characters  of  the  county  with  whom  the  family  was 
connected  or  acquainted,  were  evidently  the  frequent 
and  welcome  visitors  of  Groton  Manor.  An  ancient 
plan  of  the  manor-house  has  been  preserved,  —  taken, 
perhaps,  as  a  souvenir  of  scenes  that  were  to  be  left  for 
ever, — and  its  hall  and  great  parlor,  its  pantry  and  buttery 
and  bake-house  and  brewing-house,  bespeak  an  ample 
prcfvision  and  accommodation  for  many  more  than  its 
regular  inmates.  The  old  Bible  of  Adam  Winthrop, 
too,  is  still  extant ;  from  which,  though  of  too  late  an 
imprint  to  have  been  the  companion  of  his  childhood, 
the  son  may  have  acquired  something  of  that  familiarity 
with  the  sacred  text,  which  is  so  marked  a  feature  at 
once  of  the  private  correspondence  and  of  the  public 
discourse  of  his  mature  manhood.^ 


1  This  Bible  is  now  in  the  valuable  collection  of  (Jeorge  Livermore,  Esq.,  of 
Cambridge ;  who  procured  it  from  the  library  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Homer,  of  Ne^vton ; 


54  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

There  is  ample  evidence,  in  his  life  and  writings,  that 
he  must  have  enjoyed  a  good  education ;  but  we  know 
not  at  what  schools  it  was  commenced,  nor  how  far  it  was 
prosecuted  beneath  the  paternal  roof.  As  his  name  had 
never  been  discovered  upon  the  records  of  either  of  the 
great  universities  of  England,  it  has  naturally  been  taken 
for  granted  that  he  was  never  a  student  at  either  of 
them.  At  least  one  of  his  descendants,  however,  had 
long  ago  been  led  to  doubt  the  correctness  of  this  conclu- 
sion. We  remembered  to  have  seen  in  Gifford's  "  Me- 
moirs of  Ben  Jonson,"  that  no  note  of  that  great  poet's 
matriculation  was  to  be  found  at  Cambridge ;  and  that, 
by  some  accident,  there  had  been  an  omission  of  names  in 
the  University  Register  from  June,  1589,  to  June,  1602.^ 
Now,  in  June,  1602,  Winthrop  would  have  been  far 
advanced  in  his  fifteenth  year ;  and,  from  the  history  of 
his  subsequent  career,  we  had  considered  it  by  no  means 
impossible  that  he  might  have  completed  a  longer  or 
shorter  collegiate  course  even  at  that  early  age.  Lord 
Campbell,  in  his  "  Life  of  Sir  Edward  Coke,"  says  that 
the  sixteenth  year  was  a  late  age  for  entering  the  univer- 
sity, according  to  the  custom  of  that  time ;  and  Lord 
Macaulay  has  reminded  us,  in  one  of  his  masterly 
essays,  that  Bacon  entered  Trinity  College,  Cambridge, 


to  whom  it  was  probably  given  by  the  late  Hon.  William  Winthrop,  of  Cambridge.  It 
is  the  quarto  copy  of  King  James's  Bible.  The  Old  Testament  bears  date  1614 ;  and 
the  New  Testament,  1615.  It  is  bound  up  with  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  printed 
in  1615;  with  the  Genealogies  recorded  in  Scripture,  by  John  Speed,  1619;  and  with 
Stemhold  and  Hopkins's  version  of  the  Psalms,  1618.  A  careful  list  of  the  books  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testament  is  found  on  the  reverse  of  the  titlepage,  in  the  unmis- 
takable hand  of  Adam  Winthrop. 

1  The  statement  was  confirmed  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Romilly,  M.A.,  the  Registrar  of 
the  University. 


or  JOHN  WINTIIROP.  55 

in  his  thii-teenth  year,  and  left  it  in  his  sixteenth.  Win- 
throp's  friend  John  Cotton,  our  Boston  minister,  was  at 
Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  at  thirteen  years  of  age ; 
Shakspeare's  friend,  the  Earl  of  Southampton,  entered 
Cambridge  University  at  twelve ;  and  Isaac  Walton's 
Dr.  Donne  entered  Oxford  in  his  eleventh  year. 

We  had  seen,  moreover,  an  account  of  John  Win- 
throp's  "  Christian  Experience,"  drawn  up  by  himself, 
and  signed  with  his  own  hand,  m  New  England,  on  the 
forty-ninth  anniversary  of  his  birthday  (1636-7),  in  which 
he  expressly  alludes  to  his  having  been  at  Cambridge 
"  about  foiu'teen  years  of  age."  He  does  not  say  that 
,he  was  at  the  university ;  but  he  speaks  of  havhig  fallen 
into  a  lingering  fever  at  Cambridge  at  that  age  :  and  it 
was  not  altogether  easy  to  conjecture  for  what  purpose 
his  parents  could  have  sent  him  there,  at  that  early 
period  of  his  life,  except  in  order  to  pursue  his  studies. 
On  the  whole,  we  were  not  without  some  confidence  in 
the  opinion,  that  he  had  derived  a  part  of  his  education, 
at  least,  from  that  venerable  institution  in  Old  England, 
whose  name  and  image  were  destined,  under  his -own 
auspices  and  by  the  bounty  of  another  of  her  undoubted 
children,  —  the  ever-memorable  John  Harvard,  —  to  be 
so  soon  and  so  successfully  reproduced  in  New  England.^ 
Our  readers,  we  are  sure,  will  share  with  us  in  the  satis- 
faction we  experienced,  when,  after  this  opinion  and 
the  grounds  of  it  were  already  in  type,  the  following 
entry  revealed  itself  to  us  in  the  old  diary  of  Adam 
Winthrop :  — 

1  The  foundation  of  our  New-England  Cambridge  University  dates  back  to  1636.  ■ 
Its  endowment  by  John  Harvard,  whose  name  it  bears,  was  only  two  years  later. 


56  LITE   AND   LETTEES 

"  1602.  The  2"^  of  December  I  rode  to  Cambridge.  The 
vlii*^  day  John  my  soonne  was  admitted  into  Trinitie  Col- 
lege." ^ 

We  shall  presently  see  how  long  he  remained  at  the 
university,  and  under  what  circumstances  he  left  it. 
Meantime,  we  must  not  omit  the  brief  account  of  his 
earher  years,  which  he  has  furnished  in  the  "  Christian 
Experience,"  to  which  reference  has  just  been  made.  It 
gives  us  the  idea  of  a  very  precocious  youth,  with  a 
strange  mixture  of  wildness  and  sobriety  in  his  compo- 
sition ;  manifesting  at  one  moment  a  strong  tendency 
towards  religion,  and  at  the  next  an  equally  strong  sus- 
ceptibility to  worldly  temptations.  His  language  must 
undoubtedly  be  taken  with  some  grams  of  allowance  for 
the  peculiar  phraseology  and  forms  of  expression  which 
belonged  to  the  times  in  which  it  was  written,  and  also 
for  that  spirit  of  unsparing  self-examination  and  self- 
accusation  which  was  characteristic  of  all  the  Puritan 
leaders.     But  it  shall  speak  for  itself:  — 

"In  my  youth,"  says  he,  "I  was  very  lewdly  disposed; 
inclining  unto  and  attempting  (so  far  as  my  heart  enabled  me) 
all  Mnds  of  wickedness,  except  swearing  and  scorning  religion, 
which  I  had  no  temptation  unto  in  regard  of  my  education. 
About  ten  years  of  age,  I  had  some  notions  of  God  :  for,  in 
some  frighting  or  danger,  I  have  prayed  unto  God,  and  found 
manifest  answer  ;  the  remembrance  whereof,  many  years  after, 
made  me  tiiink  that  God  did  love  me  ;  but  it  made  me  no  wliit 
the  better.  After  I  was  twelve  years  old,  I  began  to  have  some 
more  savor  of  r-elisfion  :  and  I  thoug^ht  I  had  more  understand- 


1  The  date  of  this  admission,  it  will  be  perceived,  is  six  months  later  than  the 
period  covered  by  Gifford's  statement;  but  I  learn  from  Mr.  Eomilly  that  there  is  no 
admission-book  earlier  than  1625. 


OF   JOHN   WESTTHROP.  57 

ing  In  divinity  than  many  of  my  years  ;  for,  in  reading  of  some 
good  books,  I  conceived  that  I  did  know  divers  of  those  points 
before,  though  I  knew  not  how  I  shovild  come  by  such  knoAv- 
ledge  ;  (but,  since,  I  perceived  it  was  out  of  some  logical  princi- 
ples, whereby  out  of  some  things  I  could  conclude  others.) 
Yet  I  was  still  very  wild  and  dissolute ;  and,  as  years  came  on, 
my  lusts  grew  stronger,  but  yet  under  some  restraint  of  my 
natural  reason,  whereby  I  had  that  command  of  myself,  that  I 
could  turn  into  any  form.  I  would,  as  occasion  required,  write 
letters,  &c.,  of  mere  vanity;  and,  if  occasion  Avas,  I  could 
yn'ite  savoury  and  godly  counsel. 

"  About  fourteen  years  of  age,  being  in  Cambridge,  I  fell 
into  a  lingering  fever,  which  took  away  the  comforts  of  my  life  : 
for,  being  there  neglected  and  despised,  I  went  up  and  down 
mourning  Avith  myself;  and,  being  deprived  of  my  youthful 
joys,  I  betook  myself  to  God,  whoAi  I  did  believe  to  be  very 
good  and  merciful,  and  would  welcome  any  that  would  come 
to  him,  especially  such  a  young  soul,  and  so  well  qualified  as  I 
took  myself  to  be  ;  so  as  I  took  pleasiu'e  in  drawing  near  to  him." 

One  would  tliink  that  a  child,  who  at  ten  years  of  age 
prayed  unto  God  in  moments  of  fright  or  danger,  and 
"  found  manifest  answer "  to  his  prayer ;  and  who  at 
twelve  years  of  age  "  began  to  have  more  savor  of  reli- 
gion," and,  in  reading  good  books,  discovered  that  he 
had  "  more  understanding  m  divinity  "  than  many  of  his 
years,  —  was  in  a  pretty  hopeful  way.  But  as  John 
Winthrop,  in  his  mature  manhood,  m  his  wilderness 
retreat,  and  from  that  lofty  eminence  of  personal  purity 
and  piety  on  which  he  had  now  planted  himself,  looked 
back  over  the  course  of  his  life,  and  found  so  little  to 
reproach  himself  with  except  the  foUies  and  frailties  of 
childhood,  he  seems  to  have  been  impelled  to  magnify 
every  youthfid  peccadillo  to  the  full  measure  of  a  deadly 


58  LITE    AND   LETTEKS 

sin,  in  order  that  there  might  be  something  on  which  to 
exercise  the  cherished  graces  of  confession,  humiliation, 
and  self-abasement.  It  may  be,  however,  that  he  really 
was  as  wild  a  lad  as  his  words  would  seem  to  imply,  and 
that  the  corruptions  of  his  youth  weighed  heavily  on 
his  conscience  in  later  years. 

Suffice  it  to  say,  that  we  hear  of  his  juvenile  delin- 
quencies from  nobody  but  himself.  No  trace  of  parental 
rebuke,  or  even  anxiety,  can  be  found  in  the  diary  or 
letters  of  his  father.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  matter  of 
tradition,  that  he  was  made  a  justice  of  the  peace  at  the 
age  of  eighteen  years,  and  that,  very  early  in  life,  he 
was  exemplary  for  his  polite  as  well  as  grave  and 
Christian  deportment.-^  He  certainly  lost  no  time  in 
giving  what  Lord  Bacon  calls  "  hostages  to  fortune ; " 
for,  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  and  three  months, 
we  find  him  a  husband,  and,  soon  after  he  was  eighteen, 
a  father.  The  following  entries  in  his  father's  diary 
seem  to  prove  that  he  was  in  attendance  on  the  college- 
terms  for  about  eighteen  months  after  his  admission :  • — 

"  1602.     The  2  of  Marche  my  soonne  went  to  Cambrige. 

1603.  The  23*^  of  July  my  soonne  came  from  Cambrige. 
The  X*  [February]  my  sonne  went  to  Cambrige. 

1604.  The  xxiiiP  of  Aprill  my  sonne  retourned  from 
Cambridge. 

The  xxvii*^  (July)  my  sonne  did  ride  to  Cambridge." 

These  are  the  only  references,  in  Adam's  diary,  to  his 
son's  connections  with  the  University ;  and  they  are 
soon  succeeded  by  the  following :  — 

1  Mather's  Magnalia,  b.  ii.  ch.  iv. ;  Hutchinson's  History  of  Massachusetts,  vol.  i. 
p.  21,  note. 


OF  JOHN  ^vr^rTHROP.  59 

"  1604,  The  T*''  of  Novembre  my  soonne  did  ryde  into 
Essex  w*^  Willm  Forth  to  Great  Stambridge. 

1605.  The  xxvi"*  of  IMarche  I  &  my  soonne  did  ride  to  Mr. 
John  Foorthes  of  Great  Stambrige  in  Essex. 

The  xxviii*^  day  my  soonne  was  sollemly  contracted  to  Mary 
Foorth  by  Mr.  Culverwell  minister  of  Greate  Stambridge  in 
Essex  cum  consensu  parenUim. 

The  ix*^  (ApriU)  my  sonne  did  ryde  into  Essex. 

The  xvi*^  of  Aprill  he  was  married  at  Great  Stambridge  by 
Mr.  Culverwell,  JEtatis  suce  17  \_annis~\  3  mensibus  et  4  diebus 
completis. 

The  viii***  of  May  my  soonne  &  his  wife  came  to  Groton 
from  London,  and  the  ix*'^  I  made  a  marriage  feaste  when  Sf 
Thomas  Mildmay  &  his  lady  my  sister  were  present.  The 
same  day  my  sister  Veysye  came  to  me,  &  departed  on  the  24*'' 
of  Maye.  My  dawter  Fones  came  the  viii*'*  of  May  &  departed 
home  the  xxiii'**  of  Maye." 

And  thus  we  have  the  whole  story  of  the  courtship, 
the  wedding,  and  the  honeymoon,  —  the  journey  to 
London,  the  family  gathering  at  Groton,  and  the 
marriage-feast  at  the  manor. 

It  was  undoubtedly  this  early  marriage  which  brought 
his  college-life  so  prematurely  to  a  close.  The  serious 
illness  at  Cambridge,  to  which  he  alludes  in  his  "  Chris- 
tian Experience,"  may  perhaps  have  broken  up  his 
studies,  and  discouraged  him  from  pursuing  them  further  ; 
but,  so  far  as  the  record  runs,  the  charms  of  Mary 
Forth  must  be  held  responsible  for  his  failure  to  obtain 
a  degree.  She  was  the  daughter  and  sole  heir  of 
John  Forth,  Esq.,  of  Great  Stambridge,^  in  the  county 


1  sir.  Savage  gives  the  authority  of  Sir  Charles  George  Young,  Garter  King  at 
Arms,  for  stating  John  Forth  to  have  been  of  Stondon ;  but  Adam's  diary,  and  his  old 
almanacs  and  the  Latin  pedigree,  call  it  expressly  Great  Stambridge. 


60  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

of  Essex.  John  was  the  sixth  son  of  "Wilhain  Forth,  of 
Hadleigh  and  Butley  Abbey  or  Priory,  in  Suffolk ;  and 
was  connected  with  many  ancient  and  distinguished 
famihes.  William's  wife,  the  grandmother  of  Mary, 
was  a  Powell  of  Wales ;  and  a  long  Welsh  pedigree  is 
still  extant,  duly  emblazoned  with  all  the  empalements 
and  quarterings,  tracing  her  back,  through  twelve  gene- 
rations of  Ap  Howells  and  Vaughans  and  Gwarinddys 
and  Broadspeares,  to  Godwyn  of  Cornwall.     The  mother 

of  Mary  Forth  was  Thomasine,  the  only  child  of 

Hilles,  in  the  county  of  Essex.  Her  uncle,  Kobert 
Forth,  was  high-sheriff  of  Suffolk  County  in  1569 ;  and 
his  second  son,  WiUiam,  was  knighted  at  Greenwich, 
3d  July,  1604.  Her  own  immediate  family  was  a 
wealthy  one  ;  and  she  brought  to  her  husband  "  a  large 
portion  of  outward  estate." 

Besides  other  blessings  resulting  from  this  marriage, 
Winthrop,  in  his  "Christian  Experience"  of  1636-7, 
attributes  to  the  associations  to  which  it  introduced  him 
a  high  degree  of  spiritual  improvement,  if  rather  it 
should  not  be  called  a  complete  and  radical  change  of 
heart  and  life. 

"  About  eighteen  years  of  age,"  he  says,  "  being  a  man  in 
stature  and  understanding,  as  my  parents  conceived  me,  I 
married  into  a  family  under  Mr.  Culverwell  his  ministry  in 
Essex ;  and,  living  there  sometimes,  I  first  found  the  ministry 
of  the  word  come  home  to  my  heart  with  power  (for  in  all 
before  I  found  only  light)  :  and,  after  that,  I  found  the  like  in 
the  ministry  of  many  others ;  so  as  there  began  to  be  some 
change  ;  which  I  perceived  in  myself,  and  others  took  notice 
of.  Now  I  began  to  come  under  strong  exercises  of  conscience 
(yet  by  fits  only)  :  I  could  no  longer  dally  with  religion.     God 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  61 

put  my  soule  to  sad  tasks  sometimes,  which  yet  the  flesh  would 
shake  off  and  outwear  still.  I  had,  withal,  many  sweet  invita- 
tions ;  which  I  woidd  ^^dllingly  have  entertained,  but  the  flesh 
woidd  not  give  up  her  interest.  The  mercifid  Lord  woidd  not 
thus  be  answered ;  but  notwithstanding  all  my  stubbornuesse, 
and  unkind  rejections  of  mercy,  hee  left  mee  not  till  he  had 
overcome  my  heart  to  give  up  itself  unto  liim,  and  to  bid  fare- 
well to  all  the  world,  and  until  my  heart  could  answer,  '  Lord  ! 
what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ? ' 

' '  Now  came  I  to  some  peace  and  comfort  in  God  and  in 
his  wayes  :  my  chief  delight  was  therein.  I  loved  a  Christian, 
and  the  very  ground  hee  went  upon.  I  honoured  a  faithful 
minister  in  my  heart,  and  could  have  kissed  his  feet.  Now  I 
grew  full  of  zeal  (wliich  outranne  my  knowledge,  and  carried 
mee  sometimes  beyond  my  calling),  and  very  liberall  to  any 
good  work.  I  had  an  unsatiable  thirst  after  the  word  of  God ; 
and  coidd  not  misse  a  good- sermon,  though  many  miles  off*, 
especially  of  such  as  did  search  deep  into  the  conscience." 

We  know  nothing  of  Mr.  Culverwell  but  his  name, 
and  that  only  from  this  ancient  confession  of  Winthrop's  ; 
but  the  humble  \dllage-curate,  to  whose  faithful  muiistry 
the  father  of  the  Massachusetts  Colony  has  thus  traced 
his  earliest  and  strongest  impressions  of  the  power  of  the 
word,  may  well  be  considered  to  have  earned  a  title  to 
remembrance  which  many  a  lordly  prelate  of  his  day 
might  have  envied.^ 

Of  the  life  and  fortimes  of  Wiathrop  for  the  next  ten 
or  twelve  years,  but  few  details  have  survived,  and  those  of 


1  His  name,  as  we  shall  find  by  one  or  two  of  his  letters  given  hereafter,  was 
Ezekiel ;  and  Allibone,  in  his  invaluable  Dictionary  of  Authors,  makes  him  the  author 
of  several  religious  treatises.  He  may  have  been  the  father  of  Nathaniel  Culverwell, 
"  Master  of  Arts,  and  lately  fellow  of  Emanuel  CoUedge  in  Cambridge,"  who  wrote  the 
"Elegant  and  Learned  Discourse  of  the  Light  of  Nature,"  &c.  London,  1652.  This 
volume  is  in  the  library  of  my  friend  Charles  Deane,  Esq.,  of  our  Cambridge. 


62  LITE  AND  LETTERS 

a  purely  domestic  character.     The  only  important  entries 
relating  to  him  in  his  father's  diary  are  the  following :  — 

"  1608.  The  x*^  of  October  my  soonne  &  his  wyfe  departed 
from  Groton  to  dwell  at  Stambridge  in  Essex. 

1609.  The  xi***  of  August  my  soonne  was  taken  w*'*  a 
fierce  ague,  and  the  xvitj''^  I  ridde  to  Stambridge  to  see  him 
&  returned  the  xxil*. 

The  xxv*^  (October)  my  soonne  kept  his  first  Court  at  Gro- 
ton Hall,  where  a  Recouery  was  sued  against  Ed.  Eobtson." 

This  holding  of  his  "first  Court  at  Groton  Hall"  in 
October,  1609,  was  doubtless  in  consequence  of  his 
having  attained  his  majority  in  the  early  part  of  that 
year.  It  might  seem  to  indicate,  also,  that  he  had 
returned  to  reside  at  Groton,  and  perhaps  that  he  had 
akeady  become  Lord  of  the  Manor.  But  his  father's 
diary  comes  to  an  end  soon  after  this  date ;  and  we  have 
no  means  of  deciding  these  questions.  We  incline,  how- 
ever, to  the  opinion,  that  he  continued  to  make  Stam- 
bridge his  principal  place  of  abode  for  several  years 
longer,  —  perhaps  until  the  death  of  his  father-in-law 
Forth  m  1613. 

The  wife  of  his  youth  bore  him  six  children ;  the  eld- 
est of  whom  (born  at  Groton  on  the  twelfth,  or,  as  we 
should  now  style  it,  on  the  twenty-second  day  of  Febru- 
ary, 1606)  is  kno^vn  to  history  as  John  Wmthrop,  the 
Governor  of  Connecticut,  "  the  heir  of  all  his  father's 
talents,  prudence,  and  virtues,  with  a  superior  share  of 
human  learning."^     We  shall  find  frequent  occasion  to 


1  Savage  ("History  of  New  England,"  vol.  i.  p.  64,  note),  unconsciously,  perhaps, 
translating  Cicero,  who  says  of  a  son  of  P.  Africanus,  Ad  paternam  enim  magnitudinem 
animi  doctrina  nberior  accesserat. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  63 

mention  him  in  this  vohmie,  though  he  might  fitly  become 
the  subject  of  a  separate  memoh.  Of  the  other  children, 
two  were  sons,  —  Hem-y  -^  and  Forth,^  —  of  whom  we  shall 
see  something  as  w^e  proceed.  Of  the  three  daughters, 
two  w^ere  named  Amie,  and  are  shown,  by  the  parish- 
register  at  Groton,  to  have  died  successively  in  thek 
earhest  infancy ;  while  Mary,  the  eldest,  lived  to  come  to 
America,  and  was  married  (about  the  year  1632)  to  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Dudley,  son  of  Governor  Thomas  Dud- 
ley.^ 

Within  eleven  years  after  her  own  marriage,  Mary 
Forth,  the  mother  of  these  children,  died,  and  was 
buried  in  the  family  tomb  at  Groton,  26th  June,  1615.* 
So  soon  and  so  sadly  was  the  first  chapter  of  John  Win- 
throp's  domestic  history  brought  to  a  close.  He  was  then 
not  yet  twenty-eight  years  of  age,  and  the  oldest  of  his 
children  was  httle  more  than  nine.  We  need  but  to  turn 
the  page  to  find  that  other  and  not  less  bitter  bereave- 
ments awaited  him  at  too  early  a  day. 

Before  tmning  that  page,  however,  we  may  here  find 
an  appropriate  place  for  such  passages  from  an  old  auto- 
graph manuscript  of  Winthrop's  as  relate  to  this  fii'st 
period  of  his  life,  and  as  may  exhibit  still  more  clearly 
the  early  development  of  his  moral   and  rehgious  cha- 


1  "  1607.     The  xx""  of  Jan.  my  soonnes  second  sonne  Henry  was  christened  at  Gro- 
ton.   Mr.  Sands  &  my  b.  Snelling  were  his  godfathers."  —  Adam^s  Diary. 

2  "  1609.    The  xxx""  day  of  Decemb'.  my  Sonne's  third  sonne  was  borne  at  Stam- 
bridge,  in  Essex."  —  Ibid. 

3  She  died  12th  April,  1643 ;  having  had  four  children,  at  least  two  of  whom  survived 
her. 

4  "  Mary  Forthe,  the  wife  of  John  Winthrop,  was  borne  on  Wednesday,  the  first  day 
January,  Ano  1583."     She  was  thus  four  years  older  than  her  husband. 


64  LITE   AOT)   LETTERS 

racter.  He  was  a  man  who  evidently,  from  his  youth 
upwards,  held  much  communion  with  his  own  conscience, 
and  frequently  employed  his  pen  ui  making  record  of  its 
rebukes  and  compunctions.  We  have  abeady  given 
extracts  from  his  "  Christian  Experience,"  written  in 
1636-7;  and  we  shall  have  further  occasion  to  refer  to 
i  it  hereafter.  But  a  much  earlier  "  Experience "  has 
recently  come  to  light,  dating  from  the  fhst  week  in 
February,  1606,  —  soon  after  the  commencement  of  his 
married  life,  and  within  a  few  days  of  the  bhth  of  his 
eldest  son.  It  is  an  imperfect  manuscript,  stained  and 
torn  in  many  places,  and  quite  illegible  m  others ;  many 
pages  missmg  and  many  passages  effaced,  and  plainly 
intended  for  no  eye  but  his  own.  It  may  be  doubted, 
indeed,  whether  any  eye  but  his  own  has  ever  carefully 
perused  it  until  now.  But  no  one,  we  think,  will  regret 
that  some  parts  of  it  have  escaped  the  ravages  of  time. 
It  begins  as  follows :  — 

"  ExPERiENCiA  a  2  Februarij  :  1606.^ 

' '  Worldly  cares  thoughe  not  in  any  grosse  manner  outward- 
ly, yet  seacreatly,  togitber  w*^  a  seacret  desire  after  plesures  & 
itcliinge  after  libertie  &  unlawfull  delightes,  had  brought  me  to 
waxe  wearie  of  good  duties  and  so  to  forsake  my  first  love, 
whence  came  muche  troble  &  danger. 

"  Then  in  that  time,  having  not  perfect  peace  w'^  God,  but 
throughe  the  perswasio  of  the  enimie,  distrustfulness  beganne 
to  arise,  whenas  the  Lorde  sent  but  a  smale  triall,  my  wife  but 
beinge  taken  w**^  a  fitt  of  an  ague,  myselfe  beinge  not  prepared 
w*^  a  peaceable-  conscience,  it  did  much  harms  me,  whereuppon 
I  promised  to  be  prepared  better. 

1  He  was,  at  this  date,  but  eighteen  years  of  age. 


OF  JOHN  WESTTHROP.  65 

**  Belnge  in  tliis  trobble  I  was  wholy  unable  to  raise  up  my 
selfe,  neither  could  I  pray  a  great  while,  yet  at  length  I  desired 
the  Lorde  &  he  herde  me,  so  as  uppon  the  cofessio  of  my  sinnes, 
w^*^  I  did  w"^  much  coforte,  I  found  mercie  &  grace  to  amende. 

"  In  that  weeke  that  my  wife  was  delivred,  by  reason  of  the 
present  occasion  &  of  an  ague  w'^''  I  had  taken,  I  gave  myself 
to  neolicrence  and  idlenesse  w'^'^  I  could  not  shake  off  a  good 
while  after  :  it  also  brought  w**^  it  may  other  sinnes  as  caringe 
for  this  worlde  etc.,  &  one  morninge  a  great  fitt  of  impatience, 
for  matter  betwixt  my  wife  &  my  mother,  w*^^  I  pray  God  for- 
give me. 

' '  Where  there  is  not  a  reverend  trebling  at  the  coinittinge 
of  smale  siues  &  those  but  in  thoughte  or  worde,  there  is  no 
feare  of  God,  &  where  there  is  no  feare  there  is  no  faithe  : 
therefore  marke  tins. 

"It  is  wonderfull  how  the  omissio  of  the  leaste  dutle,  or  coin- 
issio  of  evill,  will  quench  grace  &  estrange  us  from  the  love  of 
God. 

"Feb:  8.  I  founde  that  on  Saterday  in  the  affternoone 
deferringe  readinge  &  prayer  til  3  of  the  clocke,  for  the  per- 
forminge  of  a  needelesse  worke,  my  herte  was  verie  muche 
unsettled. 

' '  On  Siiday  beinge  the  9  of  March :  beinge  at  sermo  at 
Groton,  I  let  in  but  a  thought  of  my  iornie  into  Essex,  but 
strait  it  delighted  me,  &  beinge  not  verie  carefull  of  my  heart, 
I  was  suddainely,  I  knowe  not  how,  so  possessd  w*^  the  worlde, 
as  I  was  led  into  one  sinne  after  an  other,  and  could  iiardely 
recover  my  selfe,  till  taking  myselfe  to  prayer  before  I  was  too 
farre  gonne,  I  found  mercie. 

"  The  20  of  ApriU,  160G,  I  made  a  new  Covenant  w*^  the 
Lorde  w''^  was  this  : 

"  Of  my  part,  that  I  would  reforme  thesse  sinnes  by  his 
grace,  pride,  covetousnesse,  love  of  this  worlde,  vanitie  of  minde, 
unthankfulnesse,  slouth,  both  in  his  service  &  in  my  caUinge, 

9 


66  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

not  preparlnge  myselfe  w*  reverence  and  upriglitnesse  to  come 
to  Ms  word  :  Of  the  Lords  part  that  he  would  give  me  a  new 
heart,  joy  In  his  spirit,  that  he  would  dwell  w*^  me,  that  he 
would  strengthen  me  against  the  world,  the  fleshe,  &  jf  DIvell, 
that  he  would  forgive  my  sinnes  and  increase  my  faith. 

"  God  give  me  grace  to  performe  my  promise  &  I  doubt  not 
but  he  will  performe  his.      God  make  It  fruitfull.     Amen." 

After  this  introduction,  tiiere  follows  a  little  catalogue 
of  "  sinnes,"  running  through  many  days  of  many  months, 
registered  as  in  an  account-current  against  himself,  but 
written  partly  m  cipher,  and  with  so  many  abbreviations 
and  secret  signs  as  to  be  quite  umntelligible  to  any  eye 
but  his  own.  Turning  in  despak  from  this  private  con- 
fession, we  find  no  difficulty  ui  deciphermg  the  foUowing 
pleasant  testimony  to  the  character  of  his  wife :  — 

"  Decembre  12.  It  must  be  only  God  that  must  worke  in 
the  hearte,  as  by  this  experience;  —  when  I  used  the  best 
meanes  I  was  able  to  perswade  my  wife  etc.,  &  that  when  I  had 
the  best  spirit,  yet  I  could  not  prevaile  not  so  muche  as  to 
make  hir  to  answeare  me  or  to  talke  w*^*^  me  about  any  good- 
nesse ;  but  yet  one  time  when  I  did  but  only  aske  a  questio, 
by  the  way  as  it  were,  &  that  when  there  were  many  thinges 
w*^^  justly  made  me  feare  a  repulse,  yet  it  pleased  God  even 
then  to  so  open  hir  hearte  as  that  she  became  very.readie  and 
willinge  to  lay  open  hir  hearte  to  me  in  a  very  comfortable 
measure ;  whereby  I  see  that  Praier  must  do  it,  if  ever  any 
good  be  done,  for  I  had  praied  often  to  God  In  that  matter : 
and  she  proved  after  a  right  godly  woman." 

The  last  line  of  this  passage  was  evidently  written 
with  different  ink  and  at  a  different  period  from  that 
which  precedes  it.     It  may  have  been  added  after  death 


OF  JOHN  WESTTHEOP.  67 

had  sealed  the  account  between  him  and  his  fh'st  wife, 
and  as  a  final  tribute  to  her  mtues.  It  is  the  only  testi- 
mony which  remains  to  the  character  of  Mary  Forth. 
One  httle  note  of  hers  is  left  among  the  old  fanuly  papers, 
addi-essed  to  her  "  sw^eet  husband ;  "  and  ending,  "  yoiur 
losing  Tvife  until  death :  "  but  it  relates  wholly  to  the  pro- 
cui'uig  of  a  new  serving-maid,  and  has  notliing  in  it  wor- 
thy of  preservation.  Its  only  interest  is  derived  from  its 
being  indorsed  by  her  son.  Governor  Winthrop  of  Con- 
necticut, as  ha"sdng  been  "  written  by  Mrs.  Mary  Win- 
throp, wife  to  John  Winthi'op,  Esq.,  somctymes  Governor 
of  New  England."  The  son  seems  to  have  saved  it,  as 
the  only  memorial  of  his  mother.  His  own  noble  cha- 
racter and  conduct,  as  we  shall  see  them  hereafter  deve- 
loped, are  the  best  evidence  of  her  having  been  a  good 
and  godly  parent  as  long  as  she  was  spared  to  her 
children. 

A  Httle  fiu'ther  along,  we  find  a  passage  imquestionably 
T\Titten  after  much  that  follows  it,  and  intended  for  his 
OA^n  vi^aming  as  to  some  of  the  resolutions  and  experi- 
ences which  he  had  previously  recorded.  It  may  be  not 
less  useful  to  those  who  would  construe  his  confessions 
justly,  and  it  is  given  here  with  that  view :  — 

"In  these  following  Experiences  there  be  diverse  vowes, 
promises  to  God,  or  Resolutions  &  purposes  of  my  heart, 
occasioned  throughe  the  ofte  experience  of  my  weaknesse  in 
such  things,  &  my  great  desire  of  keeping  peace  &  holdinge 
communion  w**^  God,  many  of  w'^  I  have  in  tyme  observed  that 
I  have  great  need  to  repent  (in  some  of  them)  my  unadvised- 
nesse  in  making  them,  consideringe  that  they  have  proved 
snares  to  my  Conscience,  &  (in  others  of  them)  my  wretched- 
nesse  &  siane  in  not  carefully  observing  them.     M'  Cartwright 


68  LEFE   AND   LETTERS 

in  his  Answ :  to  the  Eem  :  Acts  5.4.^  givethe  some  directions 
on  this  pointe." 

We  may  now  proceed,  without  further  interruption  or 
explanation,  with  the  remaining  passages  which  relate  to 
the  period  embraced  in  the  present  chapter. 

"  1610  Jan.      After  I  had  muche  displeased  my  God  by 

folio winge  idle  &  vaine  pastymes,  as  sittinge  late  up  at ,^ 

Mv^^  my  unkinde  omittinge  my  family  exercise,  I  was  muche 
unsettled,  as  there  was  cause,  yet  God  (when  I  thought  his 
anger  was  even  hote  against  me)  drewe  me  to  repentance  & 
showed  me  sweet  mercy e. 

"12.  But  a  little  after  beinge  out  of  order  againe  through 
the  force  of  a  newe  temptatio ;  &  mine  owne  rebelhous  wicked 
hearte  yieldinge  itseLfe  to  the  slaverye  of  sinne,  had  brought 
me  into  the  Lords  hands  againe,  yet  my  God,  the  true  naturall 
father  of  the  prodigall,  seeinge  me  but  have  a  minde  to  returne, 
mette  me  in  his  fatherly  love  &  brought  me  into  his  favoF  not- 
withstandinge  all  my  unkindnesse. 

"17.  Then  by  little  &  little  by  want  of  dihgent  care  & 
observation  of  my  hearte  &  wayes  I  lost  the  former  freshnes 
of  my  affections,  &  so  beganne  to  fall  to  idleness,  takinge 
pleasure  in  vanitie  againe,  but  God  crossed  me  in  my  delights, 
&  when  I  perceived  God  was  angry  w*''  me  I  had  no  harte  to 
any  dutye,  till  readinge  the  33  of  Job  :  v.  29  :  the  Lorde 
moved  me  to  come  to  him  againe,  so  I  returned  &  found  favor, 
yet  not  suche  affections  as  before. 

"  1611.  The  22  of  August  it  plesed  God  to  sende  me  a  sore 
sicknes  wherein  besides  the  worke  of  Gods  Spiritt  upon  my 
conscience,  I  did  most  evidently  perceive  his  great  mercie  & 
care  in  supportinge  me,  easinge  the  paine,  givinge  me  pacience, 
&  muche  ch'erefullnes,  &  willingnes  to  abide  his  good  will,  & 


1  The  reference  was  probably  to  "  The  Answere  to  the  Preface  of  the  Rhemish  Tes- 
tament," by  Thomas  Cartwright,  the  great  Puritan  writer  and  preacher. 

2  The  place  is  designated  in  the  manuscript  by  an  unintelligible  sign. 


^  OF   JOHN   M^NTHKOP.  69 

before  the  sicknes  was  come  to  the  hight,  God  in  mercye  cutt  it 
off  by  sending  me  w^'^out  any  meanes  a  great  relief. 

'*  One  thinge  w''^  I  observed  in  tliis  sicknes  was  that  God 
visited  nppon  me  many  of  my  bould  runninges  out  against  con- 
science, w*^"^  I  then  when  I  coiiiitted  them  passed  over  w*  slight 
repentance,  &  now  had  suerly  smarted  well  for  them  if  I  had 
not  now  stopped  them  by  searious  &  speedye  turninge  to  God, 
whereuppon  I  resolved  not  to  be  so  bould  to  sinne  againste  my 
conscience  in  tyme  to  come. 

''Another  thinge  w'^'^  I  resolved  uppon  good  grounde  was 
to  leave  all  my  working  &  inventions  of  all  sorts,  especially 
the  doinge  of  such  things  as  required  any  labour  or  tyme,  & 
to  content  my  selfe  w*^  such  things  as  were  lefte  by  of  fore- 
fathers, &  that  for  divers  reasons  as 

"First" 

A  missing  page  deprives  us  of  the  reasons  of  this  most 
conservative  resolution.  We  proceed  with  the  pages 
which  are  left:  — 

' '  I  had  prayed  ofte  &  earnestly  for  the  mortifyinge  of  divers 
corruptions,  &  I  have  certainely  founde  that  God  hathe  hearde 
me  for  some  of  them,  weakeninge  the  force  of  them  by  meanes 
that  I  never  thought  of. 

"Dec:  15.  I  acknowledge  a  special!  providence  of  God 
that  my  wife  taking  upp  a  measse  of  porridge,  before  the 
children  or  anybodye  had  eaten  of  it,  she  espied  thereia  a  greate 
spider.^ 

' '  Findinge  by  muche  examination  that  ordinary  shootinge  in 
a  gunne,  etc :  could  not  stande  w*?*  a  good  conscience  in  my 
selfe,  as  first,  for  that  it  is  simply  prohibited  by  the  la  we  of  the 
land,  uppon  this  grounde  amonst  others,  that  it  spoUes  more  of 
the  creatures  then  it  getts  :  2  it  procures  offence  unto  manye : 
3  it  wastes  great  store  of  tyme  :     4  it  toyles  a  mans  bodye 

1  This  may,  perhaps,  occasion  a  smile ;  yet  it  would  not  be  easy  to  say  why  a  special 
providence  might  not  as  well  be  recognized  in  the  discovery  of  the  spider  which  would 
have  poisoned  the  porridge,  as  in  "  the  sparrow  which  falleth  to  the  ground." 


70  LITE   AND  LETTEES  , 

overmuclie  :  5  It  endangers  a  mans  life,  etc :  6  It  brings  no 
profite  all  things  considered :  7  It  hazards  more  of  a  mans 
estate  by  the  penalty e  of  It,  then  a  man  would  willingly  parte 
with  :  8  It  brings  a  man  of  worth  &  godllnes  Into  some  con- 
tempt :  —  lastly  for  mine  owne  parte  I  haue  ever  binne  crossed 
in  usinge  It,  for  when  I  haue  gone  about  it  not  w'^^out  some 
woudes  of  conscience,  &  haue  taken  muche  paynes  &  hazarded 
my  heal  the,  I  haue  gotten  sometimes  a  verye  little  but  most 
coinonly  nothlnge  at  all  towards  my  cost  &  laboure  :  ^ 

' '  Therefore  I  haue  resolved  &  covenanted  w**^  the  Lorde  to 
give  over  alltoglther  shootlnge  at  the  creeke ;  —  &  for  kllllnge 
of  birds,  etc  :  either  to  leave  that  altoglther  or  els  to  use  It, 
bothe  verye  seldome  &  verye  secreatly.  God  (If  he  please)  can 
giue  me  fowle  by  some  other  meanes,  but  if  he  will  not,  yet,  in 
that  It  Is  [his]  will  who  loves  me,  it  Is  sufficient  ta  uphould  my 
resolution. 

"That  w"^.^  I  promise  for  my  selfe,  I  likewise  promise  for 
my  servants,  as  farre  as  the  former  reasons  agree  to  them. 

' '  Belnge  further  resolved  that  posnall  Statutes  doe  binde  the 
person  to  obedience  in  these  indifferent  thinges,  I  have  proposed 
not  to  breake  the  intention  of  this  Lawe,  etc :  this  further  I 
hould  for  this  matter,  that  thoughe  lawe  cannot  binde  from  the 
use  of  the  creatures,  yet  it  may  hmitt  the  maner  of  taking 
them. 

"  1611  Jan  :  1.  Belnge  admonished  by  a  christian  frelnde 
that  some  good  men  were  ofended  to  heare  of  some  gamlnge 
w*^'^  was  used  in  my  howse  by  my  servants,  etc  :  I  resolved 
that  as  for  my  selfe  not  to  use  any  cardlngs  etc,  so  for  others 
to  represse  it  as  much  as  I  could,  during  the  continuance  of  my 
present  state,  &  if  God  bringe  me  once  to  be  wholly e  by  my 
selfe,  then  to  banishe  all  toglther. 


1  Bad  luck  with  his  gun,  though  the  last  reason  assigned,  may  have  given  the 
original  impulse  to  much  of  this  philosophy  about  shooting.  It  certainly  forms  an 
amusing  climax  to  the  argument.  The  Governor  was  evidently  not  a  good  shot  in  his 
youth. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  71 

"28.  In  my  sleepe  I  dreamed  that  I  was  w*?  Christ  upon 
earthe,  &  that  beinge  very  instant  \v"^  him  in  manye  teares,  for 
the  assm'ance  of  the  pardon  of  my  sinnes  etc  :  I  was  so  ravished 
w*^  his  love  towards  me,  farre  exceedinge  the  affection  of  the 
kindest  husbande,  that  being  awaked  it  had  made  so  deep  im- 
pression in  my  hearte,  as  I  was  forced  to  unmeasm'able  weep- 
ings for  a  great  while,  &  had  a  more  lively  feelinge  of  the  love 
of  Christ  then  eiier  before.  This  followed  the  same  night  after 
I  had  bine  visitinge  Jesus  Christ  in  his  faithfidl  servant,  old 
Hudson,  to  whom  as  by  my  presence  &  helpe  I  afforded  muche 
comforte,  so  God  recompensed  me  w*?  comfort  againe.  And 
heerein  I  see  great  cause  to  complaine  of  the  weaknes  'Sf  my 
faithe  that  cannot  see  Clu'ists  helpe  as  neere,  now  he  is  in 
heaven,  as  it  appeared  when  he  was  on  earthe. 

' '  I  see  that  I  cannot  ev""  feele  the  same  measure  of  the  love 
of  Christ  heere,  but  this  is  my  comforte  that  I  shall  have  the 
fidl  fruition  of  it  in  heaven. 

"Feb.  Gettlnge  my  selfe  to  take  too  muche  delighte  in  a 
vaine  thinge  w°^  I  went  about  w^'^out  the  warrant  of  faithe,  I 
was  by  it  by  degrees  drawne  to  make  shipwracke  of  a  good 
conscience  &  the  love  of  my  father,  so  as  my  heart  beganne 
to  growe  hardened  &  inclininge  to  a  reprobate  minde ;  prayer 
&  other  duties  beganne  to  growe  irksome,  my  confidence  failed 
me,  my  Comfort  left  me,  yet  I  longed  after  reconciliation,  but 
could  not  obtaine  it ;  I  earnestly  sought  to  repente  but  could  not 
gett  an  heart  unto  it,  I  grew  wearye  of  myselfe,  unprofitable 
to  others,  &  God  knowes  whither  ever  I  shall  recover  that 
estate  w*^*^  I  loste  ;  —  O  that  this  might  be  a  warninge  to  me  to 
take  good  heede  how  I  greive  the  good  spmtt  of  my  God  & 
wounde  my  conscience,  &  that  as  the  penninge  of  this  is  in 
many  teares,  so  the  readinge  of  it  when  occasion  shalbe  may 
be  a  stronge  motive  unto  sobrietye. 

' '  I  finde  that  often  sinninge  bringes  difficulty  in  repentinge 
&  especially  the  bould  runninge  out  against  knowledge  &  con- 
Bcience. 


72  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

"  After  the  comlttinge  of  such  sinnes  as  have  promised  most 
contentment  and  coiiioditle,  I  would  ever  gladly  have  wanted 
the  benefitte,  that  I  might  have  bine  ridde  of  the  sinne.  Where- 
uppon  I  conclude  that  the  profitt  of  sinne  can  never  counter- 
vaile  the  damage  of  it,  for  there  is  no  sinne  so  sweet  in  the 
coihittinge,  but  it  proves  more  bitter  in  the  repentinge  for  it. 

"  I  do  certainely  finde  that  when  I  sett  myselfe  seariously  to 
prayer  etc  :  thoughe  I  be  very  unfitt  when  I  beginne,  yet  God 
dothe  assist  me  &  bowes  liis  eare  to  me,  especially  when  I  aske 
as  one  that  would  obtaine. 

"  I  have  trembled  more  at  the  coiiiittinge  of  some  newe  sinne, 
al thoughe  but  smale  in  comparison,  then  at  the  doing  of  some 
evill  that  I  have  been  accustomed  to,  though  muche  greater ; 
therefore  I  see  it  is  good  to  beware  of  Custome  in  sinne,  for 
often  sinninge  will  make  sinne  light. 

"  I  sawe  my  greate  foUye  in  that  I  placed  so  muche  felicitye 
in  present  outward  thinges  &  in  the  hope  of  thinges  to  come, 
whenas  I  am  suer  that  I  shall  have  them  but  for  a  shorte  tyme, 
if  at  all.  The  danger  &  hurte  of  these  earthly  ioyes  I  finde  to 
be  greater  in  that  they  deminishe  the  ioye  of  my  salvation : 
wherefore  I  have  resolved  by  the  grace  of  God,  to  holde  my 
affections  in  a  narrower  compasse,  &  not  to  suffer  my  hearte  to 
delight  more  in  any  thing  then  in  the  comforte  of  my  salvation. 

"  Sep  :  8.  1612.  ffinding  that  the  variety  of  meates  drawes 
me  on  to  eate  more  than  standeth  w*'^  my  healthe,  I  have 
resolved  not  to  eate  of  more  then  2  dishes  at  any  one  meale, 
whither  fish,  flesh,  fowle  or  fruite  or -whittmeats  etc:  whither 
at  home  or  abroade ;  the  lorde  give  me  care  &  abilitie  to 
performe  it.  I  founde  that  the  pride  of  my  hearte,  viz : 
these  great  thoughts  of  mine  owne  gifts,  creadite,  greatnes, 
goodnes  etc  :  were  like  a  canker  in  my  profession,  eatinge  out 
the  comfort  of  all  duties,  deprivinge  God  of  a  principall  parte 
of  his  right  in  my  hearte,  w'^'^  I  day  lye  perceived,  when  it 
pleased  God  to  lett  me  see  my  meanenes  in  his  exceeding 
greatnes :  whereuppon  I  resolved  to  make  it  one  of  my  cheife 


OF   JOHN   AVINTHEOP.  73 

petitions  to  have  that  grace  to  be  poore  in  spirit :  I  will  ever 
walke  humblye  before  my  God,  &  meekly,  mildly,  &  gently 
towards  all  men,  so  shall  I  haue  peace. 

*'  May  23  1613.  When  my  conditio  was  much  straightned, 
partly  through  my  longe  sicknes,  partly  through  wante  of 
freedome,  partly  through  lacke  of  outward  things,  I  prayed 
often  to  the  Lorde  for  delivrance,  referring  the  meanes  to  him- 
selfe,  &  w*^  all  I  often  promised  to  putt  forthe  myselfe  to  muche 
fruitt  when  the  Lorde  should  inlarge  me.  No  we  that  he  hathe 
set  me  at  great  libertye,  givinge  me  a  good  ende  to  my  teadious 
quartan,  freedome  from  a  superior  will  &  liberall  maintenance 
by  the  deathe  of  my  wifes  father  (who  finished  his  days  in 
peace  the  15  of  May,  1613)  I  doe  resolve  first  to  give  myselfe, 
my  life,  my  witt,  my  healthe,  my  wealthe  to  the  service  of  my 
God  &  Saviour,  who  by  givinge  himselfe  for  me,  &  to  me, 
deserves  what  soever  I  am  or  can  be,  to  be  at  his  Comande- 
ment,  &  for  his  glorye  : 

*'  2.  I  ^vill  live  where  he  appoints  me. 

"3.  I  will  faithfully  endeavour  to  discharge  that  callinge 
w*'^  he  shaU  appoint  me  unto. 

"4.  I  will  carefully  avoide  vaine  &  needles  expences  that  I 
may  be  the  more  liberall  to  good  uses. 

"5.  My  propertye,  &  bounty,  must  goe  forthe  abroade, 
yet  I  must  ever  be  careful  that  it  beginne  at  home. 

"6.  I  will  so  dispose  of  my  family  affaires  as  my  morning 
prayers  &  evening  exercises  be  not  omitted. 

"7.  I  will  have  a  speciall  care  of  the  good  educatio  of  my 
children. 

"8.  I  will  banish  profanes  from  my  familye. 

"9.  I  will  diligently  observe  the  Lords  Sabaoth  bothe  for 
the  avoidinge  &  preventinge  worldly  busines,  &  also  for  the 
religious  spendinge  of  suche  tymes  as  are  free  from  publique 
exercises,  viz.  the  mominge,  noone,  &  evening. 

"10.  I  will  endeavour  to  have  the  mornlnge  free  for  private 
prayer,  meditatio  &  reading. 

10 


74  LITE  AND   LETTERS 

"11.  I  will  flee  Idlenes,  &  much  worldly  busines. 

"12.  I  will  often  praye  &  conferre  privately  w*'^  my  wife. 

' '  I  must  remember  to  performe  my  fathers  Will  ^  faithfully 
for  I  promised  him  so  to  do  ;  and  particularly  to  paye  Mr. 
Meges  40  ~  a  yeare  till  he  should  be  otherwise  provided  for. 

"September  17,  1613.  There  mett  at  Mr  Sands,  Mr. 
Knewstubs,  Mr.  Birde  &  his  wife,  Mr.  Chambers,  John  Gar- 
rold  &  his  wife,  John  Warner  &  his  wife,  Mr.  Stebbin,  Barker 
of  the  pryorye,  &  I  with  my  companye,  where  we  appointed  all 
to  meete  againe  the  next  yeare  on  that  frydaye  w'^''  should  be 
neerest  to  the  17  of  September,  &  in  the  meane  tyme  every 
of  us  cache  fryday  in  the  weeke  to  be  mindefull  one  of  another 
in  desiring  God  to  grante  the  petitions  that  were  made  to  him 
that  daye,  etc. 

' '  Securitie  of  heart  ariseth  of  over  much  delighte  in  the 
thinffs  of  the  world.  Perk  :  fol :  609  :  See  there  the  excel- 
lent  issue  of  this  temptatio  in  Gods  children.  Item.  784. 
799." 

This  last  paragraph  is  separated  from  that  which  goes 
before  it  by  a  black  hne,  and  is  written  in  a  large  round 
hand,  as  if  to  designate  it  as  the  sum  and  substance  of 
the  whole  matter.  The  reference  is,  undoubtedly,  to  one 
of  the  rehgious  treatises  of  Wilham  Perkins,  of  Christ's 
College,  Cambridge  ;  who  died  in  1602,  and  whose  works 
were  pubhshed  in.  several  foho  volumes.  Some  of  our 
readers  may  remember  a  pleasant  story  about  "  Master 
Perkins  "  and  Arminius  in  Izaak  Walton's  charming  bio- 
graphy of  Sir  Henry  Wotton. 


1  He  evidently  refers  to  the  will  of  Ms  wife's  father,  John  Forth,  Esq.,  whose  death 
(May  15,  1613)  he  had  just  mentioned. 

2  Neither  the  name  nor  the  amount  can  be  made  out  with  confidence.    It  appears  to 
be  40?  to  Mr.  Megges,  or  Meigs. 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  75 


CHAPTER  V. 


SECOND  MAEEIAGE.     CLOPTON  FAMILY.     DEATH  OF   SECOND  WIFE. 
CHRISTIAN  EXPERIENCES. 

John  Winthrop  appears  to  have  been  married  again, 
on  the  6th  of  December,  1615.  His  second  wife  was 
Thomasine  Clopton,  daughter  of  WiUiam  Clopton,  Esq., 
of  Castleins,  a  seat  near  Groton.  She  was  of  that 
famous  family  of  Cloptons  which  Sir  Simonds  D'Ewes, 
having  married  one  of  them  himself,  has  thus  celebrated 
in  his  Autobiography :  — 

"  There  is  scarce  a  second  private  family  of  nobility  or  gen- 
try, either  in  England  or  in  Christendom,  that  can  show  so 
many  goodly  monuments  of  itself  in  any  one  church,  cathedral 
or  parochial,  as  remain  of  the  Cloptons  in  that  of  Melford,  in 
the  county  of  Suffolk,  this  present  year  (1638)  :  where  may 
be  seen  and  viewed  about  threescore  portraitures,  anciently  set 
up,  of  men  and  women,  with  their  coat-armors  on  most  of 
them,  in  stone,  brass,  or  glass ;  besides  some  gravestones  on 
which  are  no  statues,  and  divers  portraitures  of  glass  in  the 
great  east  window  of  the  chancel,  either  wholly  gone  or  much 
defaced.  All  which  figures  and  representations,  as  appears 
by  the  epitaphs  engraven  on  the  tombs  and  flat  marbles,  and  by 
the  Inscriptions  placed  under  the  portraitures  In  glass,  were 
there  fixed  and  set  up  in  memory  of  the  Cloptons  themselves 
(of  which  there  are  about  twenty  llneals  and  collaterals  of  the 
male  hne)  ;  and  the  rest  are  to  perpetuate  the  remembrance 
of  their  wives  and  daughters  and  sons-in-law."  ^ 

1  Sir  Simonds  D'Ewes,  Autobiography,  vol.  i.  p.  333. 


76  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

Winthrop,  alas !  was  destined  but  too  soon  to  liave  an 
interest  in  these  Clopton  tombstones,  and  to  realize  but 
too  sadly  that  — 

"  The  boast  of  heraldry,  the  pomp  of  power, 
And  all  that  beauty,  all  that  wealth,  e'er  gave. 
Await  alike  the  inevitable  hour." 

A  year  and  a  day  had  scarce  elapsed  since  her  mar- 
riage, when  Thomasine  Clopton,  with  her  infant  child, 
was  committed  to  the  dust,  and  Winthrop's  home  was 
again  left  unto  him  desolate. 

No  wonder,  that,  under  such  successive  and  severe 
bereavements,  his  spuit  should  have  been  sorely  tried 
and  exercised.  No  wonder  that  he  was  oppressed  with 
melancholy,  and  that  he  should  have  been  led  to  con- 
ceive and  entertain  many  misgivings  as  to  his  religious 
condition.  He  had  previously  made  no  small  progress 
in  overcoming  whatever  of  worldliness  there  was  in  his 
nature.  He  had  even  contemplated  an  abandonment 
of  his  profession  as  a  lawyer,  with  a  view  to  take  orders 
as  a  clergyman. 

"I  grew,"  says  he,  in  reference  to  a  period  just  previous  to 
this  affliction,  "  to  be  of  some  note  for  religion  (which  did  not 
a  little  puff  me  up),  and  divers  would  come  to  me  for  advice 
in  cases  of  conscience ;  and,  if  I  heard  of  any  that  were  In 
trouble  of  mind,  I  usually  went  to  comfort  them  :  so  that 
upon  the  bent  of  my  spirit  this  way,  and  the  success  of  my 
endeavors,  I  gave  myself  to  the  study  of  divinity,  and  intended 
to  enter  Into  the  ministry  if  my  friends  had  not  diverted  me. 
But  as  I  grew  Into  employments  and  credit  thereby,  so  I  grew 
also  In  pride  of 'my  gifts  and  under  temptations,  which  set  me 
on  work  to  look  to  my  evidence  more  narrowly  than  I  had 
done  before."^ 


1  Christian  Experience,  1636-7. 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  77 

It  was,  however,  at  the  precise  period  of  these  sad 
domestic  visitations,  which  occurred  just  as  he  was 
entering  upon  his  thirtieth  year,  that  he  describes  his 
condition  as  having  been  most  critical  and  his  soul  most 
despondmg. 

"I  was  now,"  he  proceeds,  "about  thirty  years  of  age  ;  and 
now  was  the  time  come  that  the  Lord  would  reveale  Christ 
unto  mee,  whom  I  had  long  desired,  but  not  so  earnestly  as 
since  I  came  to  see  more  clearly  into  the  covenant  of  free 
grace.  First,  therefore,  hee  laid  a  sore  affliction  upon  me, 
wherein  he  laid  me  lower  in  mine  own  eyes  than  at  any  time 
before,  and  showed  mee  the  emptiness  of  all  my  gifts  and 
parts ;  left  mee  neither  power  nor  ^vill,  so  as  I  became  a 
weaned  child.  I  could  now  no  more  look  at  what  I  had  been 
or  what  I  had  done,  nor  be  discontented  for  want  of  strength 
or  assurance.  Mine  eyes  were  only  upon  his  free  mercy  in 
Jesus  Christ.  I  knew  I  was  worthy  of  nothing ;  for  I  knew 
I  could  do  nothing  for  him  or  for  myself.  I  could  only  mourn 
and  weep  to  think  of  free  mercy  to  such  a  vile  wretch  as  I  was. 
Though  I  had  no  power  to  apply  it,  yet  I  felt  comfort  in  it. 
I  did  not  long  continue  in  this  estate ;  but  the  good  Spirit  of 
the  Lord  breathed  upon  my  soule,  and  said  I  should  live. 
Then  every  promise  I  thought  upon  held  forth  Christ  unto 
mee  ;  saying,  'I  am  thy  salvation.'  Now  could  my  soule  close 
with  Christ,  and  rest  there  with  sweet  content,  so  ravished 
with  his  love,  as  I  desired  nothing,  nor  feared  any  thing,  but 
was  filled  with  joy  unspeakable  and  glorious,  and  with  a  spirit 
of  adoption.  Not  that  I  could  pray  with  more  fervency  or 
more  enlargement  of  heart  than  sometimes  before  ;  but  I  could 
now  cry,  'My  Father,'  with  more  confidence." 

This  "  Christian  Experience "  of  John  Winthrop, 
from  which  we  have  now  quoted  all  that  seems  to  throw 
light  upon  his  earlier  years,  but  of  which  the  whole  wiU 


78  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

be  given  hereafter  in  the  order  of  its  date,  is  in  many 
respects  a  remarkable  paper.  It  is  written  in  a  stern 
sph'it  of  self-condemnation  and  self-abasement;  and, 
as  we  have  already  suggested,  might  give  room  for  the 
idea  that  its  author  had  been  a  much  less  exemplary 
young  man  than  he  probably  was,  were  not  the  pecuhar 
elements  of  his  character  and  the  peculiar  circumstances 
of  his  condition,  both  at  the  time  of  which  he  speaks, 
and  still  more  at  the  time  at  which  it  was  written,^ 
taken  into  consideration  in  reading  it.  But  viewed 
in  this  light,  or,  indeed,  in  any  light,  it  presents  a 
striking  picture  of  a  pious  soul  struggling  under  the 
doubts  and  despondencies  which  so  often  beset  the 
rehgious  temperament,  and  which  the  peculiar  trials 
of  his  lot  were  so  well  calculated  to  aggravate.  There 
is,  too,  a  zeal  and  a  fervor  of  expression  m  it,  —  in 
some  passages  rising  almost  to  the  height  of  poetry,  — 
which,  to  a  religious  heart,  give  it  a  charm  not  unlike 
that  which  belongs  to  some  of  the  devotional  writings 
of  Baxter  or  of  Bunyan,  or  even  to  the  Confessions  of 
St.  Augustine. 

Nor  can  less,  certainly,  be  said  of  the  earlier  "  Experi- 
ence," to  which  we  turn  again  for  additional  illustrations 
of  his  character  and  circumstances  at  the  precise  period 
of  his  life  which  we  have  now  reached,  and  for  some 
account  of  the  wife  whose  loss  he  had  just  been  •  called 
to  deplore.  We  proceed  with  the  story  just  as  it 
stands    in    the    stained    and    moth-eaten    manuscript, 


1  It  was  -written  during  the  height  of  the  Antinomian  controversy  in  New  England, 
when  the  whole  Colony  was  agitated,  and  almost  rent  asunder,  by  religious  excite- 
ments. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  79 

omitting  only  snch  words  or  passages  as  have  been 
obscm-ed  or  obliterated  by  time.  Few  descriptions  of 
a  death -bed  have  survived  the  lapse  of  two  centuries 
and  a  half  in  such  minute  detail  as  that  of  Thomasine 
Clopton :  few,  certainly,  have  afforded  more  incidents 
illustrative  at  once  of  the  habits  of  the  period  and  the 
character  of  the  parties  concerned.  As  a  mere  picture 
of  the  domestic  history  of  so  remote  a  day,  it  could  not 
be  read  without  a  lively  interest.^  The  hopes  and  fears, 
the  prayers  and  watchings,  the  wandering  thoughts 
and  delirious  fancies,  "  the  temptations  of  the  enemy," 
the  partuig  words,  the  passmg  bell,  the  last  sighs 
and  tears,  are  all  recounted  with  a  pathos  and  a 
vividness  which  almost  make  us  witnesses  of  the 
scene,  and  partakers  of  the  sorrow.  The  diary  begins 
two  days  before  the  death  took  place,  and  on  the  first 
anniversary  of  her  wedding-day.  The  events  which 
succeeded  must  have  been  noted  down  from  hour  to 
hour ;  though  the  narrative  may,  perhaps,  have  been 
drawn  up  more  deliberately  after  all  was  over.  The 
exquisite  tribute  to  her  character,  with  which  it  closes, 
was  e^ddently  added  after  the  first  pangs  of  the  bereave- 
ment had  somewhat  subsided, 

"Dec:  6  1616.  God  will  have  mercie  on  whom  he  will 
have  mercie,  &  when  &  how  seemes  best  to  his  wisdome  &  will. 
And  his  mercie  is  free,  meere  mercie,  w*out  any  helpe  of  o*" 
owne  worthe  or  will ;  so  as  for  all  good  actions,  we  adde  no- 
thiQge  either  to  the  deed  or  the  doer ;  but,  as  a  man  shootinge 

1  It  may  help  to  fix  in  our  mind  the  exact  period  at  which  it  was  written,  if  we 
remember  that  Shakspeare  died  during  the  same  year  at  Stratford  upon  Avon,  where 
he  had  lived  in  a  house  (New  Place)  which  had  been  built  by  Sir  Hugh  Clopton,  pro- 
bably of  the  same  stock  with  Winthrop's  wife. 


80  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

a  birde  through  a  hedge  or  a  hole  In  a  wall,  the  hedge  dothe 
no  more  but  cover  the  author,  though  the  blrde  may  think 
the  blowe  came  from  the  hedge,  so  surely  the  Lord  hathe 
shewed  me  (in  prayer  &  meditation  whereunto  he  himselfe 
onely  drewe  &  Inabled  me,  sending  the  affliction  &  sanctifieinge 
it  to  that  ende)  that  there  was  never  any  holye  meditation, 
prayer,  or  action  that  I  had  a  hand  in,  that  received  any 
worthe  or  furtherance  from  me  or  anythinge  that  was  mine. 
And  untill  I  sawe  this  &  acknowledged  it,  I  could  never  have 
true  comfort  in  God  or  sound  peace  in  mine  owne  conscience, 
in  any  the  best  that  I  could  performe.  But  when  sometymes 
I  fell  into  a  holye  prayer,  meditation  etc  :  if  I  hapened  but  to 
lett  my  affections  to  cast  an  eye  towards  myselfe,  as  thinking 
myselfe  somebodye  in  the  performance  of  suche  a  duty  in  such 
a  manner,  etc  :  suche  a  thought  would  presently  be  to  my  com- 
fort &  peace  as  colde  water  caste  upon  a  flame ;  whereby  I 
might  see  that  God  by  suche  checkes  would  teache  me  to  goe 
wholly  out  of  myselfe,  &  learne  to  depende  upon  him  alone  ; 
w°'^  he  himselfe  of  his  meere  favour  give  me  grace  to  doe  con- 
stantly. For  it  is  not  possible  that  any  good  thinge  should 
come  from  me  as  of  myselfe,  since  the  verye  least  conceit  that 
ascribes  any  thinge  to  myne  owne  worthe  or  abilitie  in  the  best 
dutye,  not  only  takes  awaye  all  meritt  from  it,  but  makes  it 
lothesome  &  sinfulle  in  Gods  sight. 

"In  this  tyme  of  my  sorrowe  for  my  wifes  weaknesse,  I 
founde  it  a  speciall  meanes  for  the  humblinge  &  cleeringe  of 
my  hearte  &  conscience,  even  to  meditate  upon  the  Cornand- 
ments  &  to  examine  my  life  past  by  them,  &  then  concludinge 
w*''  prayer,  I  founde  my  hearte  more  humbled  &  Gods  free 
mercie  in  Christ  more  open  to  me  then  at  any  tyme  before  to 
my  remembrance. 

"On  Saturdaye  beinge  the  last  of  November  1616,  Thoma- 
sine,  my  deare  &  lo^dnge  wife,  was  delivered  of  a  daughter, 
w°^  died  the  mundaye  folio winge  in  the  morninge.  She  tooke 
the  deathe  of  it  w*^  that  patience,  that  made  us  all  to  merveile, 
especially  those  that  sawe  howe  carefull  she  was  for  the  life  of 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  81 

it  in  liir  travaile.  That  daye  soone  after  tlie  deatlie  of  the 
childe,  she  Avas  taken  w*'^  a  fever  w*'*  shaked  hir  very  muche, 
&  sett  hir  into  a  great  fitt  of  coughinge,  w"*^  by  teusday  morn- 
inge  was  well  alaycd,  yet  she  continued  aguish  &  sweatinge, 
w"*  muche  hoarsenes,  &  hir  mouthe  grewe  verye  soare,  &  muche 
troubled  w"*  blood  falling  from  hir  head  into  hir  mouthe  & 
thi-oate. 

"On  "Wensdaye  morninge  those  w'^^  were  about  hir,  &  hir- 
selfe  also  beganne  to  feare  that  w'''^  followed,  whereupon  we 
sent  for  my  Cosin  Duke  ;  ^  w'''^  when  she  understood  she  tould 
me  that  she  hoped  when  he  came  he  would  deale  plainly  av*^ 
me,  &  not  feed  me  w*''  vaine  hopes ;  whereupon  I  breakinge 
fortlie  into  teares,  she  was  moved  at  it,  &,  desired  me  to  be 
contented,  for  you  breake  mine  heart  (said  she)  w''^  your  griev- 
ings.  I  answered  that  I  could  do  no  lesse  when  I  feared  to  be 
stripped  of  suche  a  blessinge  :  She  replied,  God  never  bestowes 
any  blessinge  so  great  on  his  children  but  stUl  he  hathe  a  greater 
in  store,  &  that  I  should  not  be  troubled  at  it,  for  I  might  see 
how  God  had  dealt  w^*^  Mr.  Rogers*  before  me  In  the  like  case. 
And  allwayes  when  she  perceived  me  to  mourne  for  hir,  she 
woidd  intreat  &  persuade  me  to  be  contented,  tellinge  me  that 
she  did  love  me  well,  &  if  God  would  lett  liir  live  w^"^  me,  she 
would  endeavour  to  shewe  it  more,  etc ;  She  also  desired  me 
oft  that  so  longe  as  she  lived  I  would  not  cease  prayinge  for  her, 
neither  would  be  absent  from  hir,  but  when  I  had  necessary 
occasions. 

"On  thursdaye  at  noone  my  Cosin  Duke  came  to  hir,  & 
tooke  notice  of  hir  dangerous  estate,  yet  expectinge  a  farther 
issue  that  night  he  departed,  sayeing  that  before  Saterdaye  we 
should  see  a  great  change.  After  his  departure  she  asked  me 
what  he  said  of  hir,  w*^*^  when  I  tould  hir,  she  was  no  whitt 
moved  at  it,  but  was  as  comfortably  resolved  whither  to  live  or 
die. 


1  "On  Thursday  the  xi  of  November  (1596)  Anna  Snellinge  was  married  to  John 
Duke."  She  was  the  daughter  of  John  Snellinge  of  Shimpling,  who  is  constantly 
called  by  Adam  Winthrop  "my  brother  Snellinge." 


11 


/f7746» 


82  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

"  On  thursdaye  in  the  niglit  she  was  taken  w*''  deathe,  & 
about  midnight  or  somewhat  after  called  for  me,  &  for  the  rest 
of  hir  friends.  When  I  came  to  hir  she  seemed  to  be  fully 
assured  that  hir  tyme  was  come,  &  to  be  gladde  of  It,  &  desired 
me  to  praye  w*^^  I  did,  &  she  tooke  comforte  therein,  &  desired 
that  we  would  sende  for  Mr.  Sands,  w^"^  we  did.  In  the  meane 
tyme,  she  desired  that  the  bell  might  ringe  for  hir,  &  diverse 
of  the  neighbours  came  into  lilr,  w^*^  when  she  perceived  she 
desired  me  that  they  might  come  to  hir  one  by  one,  &  so  she 
would  speake  to  them  all,  w'^'^  she  did,  as  they  came,  quietly  & 
comfortably.  When  the  bell  beganne  to  ringe,  some  said  It 
was  the  4  aclock  bell,  but  she  conceivinge  that  they  sought  to 
conceale  it  from  hir,  that  it  did  ringe  for  hir,  she  said  it  needed 
not,  for  it  did  not  troble  hir.  Then  came  in  Mr.  Nicolson 
whom  she  desired  to  praye,  w*^^  he  did. 

"When  Mr.  Sands  was  come  she  reached  him  hir  hande, 
beinge  gladd  of  his  coinlnge  (for  she  had  asked  often  for  him) . 
He  spake  to  her  of  diverse  comfortable  points,  whereunto  she 
answered  so  wisely  &  comfortably,  as  he  &  Mr.  Nicolson  did 
bothe  mervalle  to  heare  hir,  Mr.  Sands  sayinge  to  me  that  he 
did  not  looke  for  so  sounde  iudgem*  In  hir :  He  said  he  had 
taken  hir  allwayes  for  a  harmelesse  younge  woman,  &  well 
aifected,  but  did-  not  thinke  she  had  been  so  well  grounded. 
Mr.  Nicolson  seeing  hir  humblenesse  of  minde  &  great  comfort 
in  God,  said  that  her  life  had  been  so  innocent  &  harmlesse  as 
the  Devill  could  finde  notliing  to  laye  to  her  charge.  Then 
she  desired  Mr.  Sands  to  praye  but  not  praye  for  life  for  hir ; 
he  answered  then  he  would  praye  for  grace.  After  prayer  she 
desired  me  that  I  would  not  lett  Mr.  Sands  goe  awaye,  but 
when  he  shewed  hir  the  occasion  he  had,  she  was  content  upon 
promise  that  he  would  come  agalne.  This  was  about  5  of  the 
clocke  on  fridaye  morninge. 

"Friday  morninge  about  6  of  the  clocke  my  Cosen  Duke 
came  to  us  agalne,  &  when  he  had  scene  how  things  fell  out 
that  night,  he  tould  us  that  that  was  the  dismall  night,  wherein 
she  had  received  hir  deathes  wounde,  yet  she  might  languish  a 


t^ 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  83 

daye  or  2,  yet  after  he  had  felt  hir  pulse,  he  said  that  if  the 
next  night  were  a  good  night  w"^  hir,  there  was  some  hope 
lefte. 

"Fridaye  morninge  she  beganne  somewhat  to  cheere,  &  so 
continued  all  that  daye,  &  had  a  very  good  night  that  night 
foUowinge,  &  beganne  hirselfe  to  entertaine  some  thought  of 
life,  &  so  did  most  of  us  that  were  about  hir.  But  on  Sater- 
day  morninge  she  beganne  to  complainc  of  could,  &  a  little 
after  aAvakinge  out  of  a  slumber,  she  prayed  me  to  sett  my 
heart  at  rest,  for  now  (said  she)  I  am  but  a  dead  woman,  for 
this  hand  (meaninge  hir  left  hande)  is  dead  allreadye,  &  when 
we  would  have  persuaded  hir  that  it  was  but  numme  w"'  beinge 
under  hir,  she  still  constantly  affirmed  that  it  was  dead,  &  that 
she  had  no  feelinge  in  it,  &  desired  me  to  pull  off  hir  gloves 
that  she  might  see  it,  av^'^  I  did ;  then  when  they  would  have 
wrapped  some  clothes  about  it,  she  disliked  it,  tellinge  them 
that  it  was  in  vaine,  &  why  shoidd  they  cover  a  dead  hande  : 
when  I  prayed  hir  to  suffer  it,  she  answered  that  if  I  woidd 
have  it  so  she  would,  &  so  I  pidled  on  hir  gloves,  &  they 
pinned  clothes  about  hir  hands,  when  they  had  doone  she  said 
O  what  a  wretche  was  I  for  lapnge  my  legge  out  of  the  bedd 
this  night,  for  when  I  should  pull  it  in  againe  it  was  as  if  it 
had  come  throughe  y®  coverlaye,  (yet  it  seemed  to  be  but  hir 
imaginatio  or  dreame  for  the  women  could  not  perceive  it) . 

"  The  feaver  grpwe  very  stronge  upon  liir,  so  as  Avhen  all  the 
tyme  of  hir  sicknesse  before  she  was  wont  to  saye  she  thanked 
God  she  felt  no  paine,  now  she  beganne  to  complaine  of  hir 
breste,  &  troubles  in  hir  head,  &  after  she  had  slumbered  a 
while  &  was  awaked,  she  beganne  to  be  tempted,  &  when  I 
came  to  hir  she  seemed  to  be  affrighted,  used  some  speeches  of 
Satans  assaultinge  hir,  &  complamed  of  the  losse  of  hir  first 
love,  etc  :  then  we  prayed  w"^  hir,  as  she  desired,  after  prayer 
she  disliked  that  we  prayed  for  life  for  hir,  since  we  might  see 
it  was  not  Gods  will  that  she  should  live. 

"  Her  feaver  increased  very  violently  upon  hir,  w'^'^  the  Devill 
made  advantage  of  to  moleste  hir  comforte,  but  she  declaringe 


84  LIFE    AND    LETTERS 

unto  us  w*'^  what  temptations  tlie  devill  did  assault  lilr,  bent 
hirselfe  against  them,  prayinge  w'*^  great  vehemence  for  Gods 
helpe,  &  that  he  would  not  take  away  his  lovinge  kindnesse 
from  hir,  defyinge  Satan,  &  spitting  at  him,  so  as  we  might 
see  by  hir  setting  of  hir  teethe,  &  fixinge  her  eyes,  shakinge  hIr 
head  &  whole  bodye,  that  she  had  a  very  greatt  confllcte  w** 
the  adversarye. 

"  After  she  a  little  paused,  &  that  they  went  about  to  cover 
hir  hands  w'^'^  laye  open  w*^  her  former  strivinge,  she  beganne 
to  lifte  up  hir  selfe,  desiringe  that  she  might  have  hir  hands  & 
all  at  lib"''  to  glorifie  God,  &  prayed  earnestly  that  she  might 
glorifie  God,  althoughe  it  were  in  hell.  Then  she  beganne 
very  earnestly  to  call  upon  all  that  were  about  hir,  exhort- 
inge  them  to  serve  God,  etc :  (And  whereas  all  the  tyme 
of  hir  sicknesse  before  she  would  not  endure  the  light  but 
would  be  carefuU  to  have  the  curtaines  kept  close,  nowe  she 
desired  light,  &  would  have  the  curtaine  towards  the  windowe 
sett  open,  &  so  to  hir  ende  was  much  grieved  when  she  had  not 
either  the  daye  light  or  candlelight,  but  the  fire  light  she  could 
not  endure  to  looke  upon,  saying  that  It  was  of  too  many 
colours  like  the  raynebowe.) 

"  Then  she  called  for  Mr  sisters,  &  first  for  hir  sister  Mary,^ 
&  when  she  came  she  said,  sister  Mary,  thou  hast  many  good 
things  in  thee,  so  as  I  have  cause  to  hoj)e  well  of  thee,  &  that 
we  shall  meet  in  heaven,  etc. 

"Then  she  called  for  hir  sister  Margerye,^  whom  she  exhort- 
ed to  serve  God,  &  take  heede  of  pride,  &  to  have  care  in  hir 
matchinge  that  she  looked  not  at  riches  &  worldly  respects, 
but  at  the  feare  of  God,  for  that  would  bringe  hir  comfort  at 
hir  deathe  although  she  should  meet  with  many  afflictions. 

"To  her  Eliz  :^  she  said,  serve  God,  take  heed  of  lyeinge. 
I  doe  not  knowe  that  you  doe  use  It,  but  I  wish  you  to  be- 
warre. 

1  Mary  married  George  Jenny,  of  London. 

2  Margery  married  Thomas  Dogget,  of  Boxford 
8  Elizabeth  married  George  Cook,  of  Ipswich. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  85 

'"  HIr  sister  Sampson  ^  she  exhorted  to  serve  God,  &  to 
bringe  up  hir  children  well,  not  in  pride  &  vanitye,  but  in  the 
feare  of  God. 

"  To  hir  mother  she  said  that  she  was  the  first  childe  that  she 
should  burye,  but  prayed  hir  that  she  would  not  be  discomfort- 
ed at  it ;  when  liir  mother  answered  that  she  had  no  cause  to 
be  discomforted  for  hir,  for  she  should  goe  to  a  better  place,  & 
she  should  go  to  hir  father,  she  replied  that  she  should  goe  to  a 
better  father  than  hir  earthly  father. 

"  Then  came  my  father  &  mother,  whom  she  thanked  for  all 
their  kindnesse  &  love  towards  hir. 

"  Then  she  called  for  my  children  &  blessed  them  severally, 
&  would  needs  have  Mary  brought  that  she  might  kisse  hir, 
w*"^  she  did. 

"  Then  she  called  for  my  sister  Luce,  &  exhorted  hir  to  take 
heed  of  pride  &  to  serve  God. 

"  Then  she  called  for  hir  servants  :  to  Rob*  she  said,  you 
have  many  good  thinges  in  you,  I  have  nothinge  to  accuse  you 
of,  be  faithfull  &  diligent  in  yo!"  service. 

"  To  Anne  Fold  she  said  that  she  was  a  stubborne  wenche, 
etc :  &  exhorted  hir  to  be  obedient  to  my  mother. 

"  To  Eliz  :  Crouff  she  said,  take  heed  of  pride  &  I  shall 
no  we  release  you,  but  take  heed  what  service  you  goe  into. 

"To  Anne  Addams  she  said,  thou  hast  been  in  badd  servinge 
longe  in  an  Alehouse  etc  :  ttou  makest  no  conscience  of  the 
Sabaothe ;  when  I  would  have  had  thee  gone  to  Church  thou 
wouldst  not,  etc  : 

"  Then  came  Mercye  Smith  to  hir,  to  whom  she  said  thou  art 
a  good  woman,  bringe  up  thy  children  well,  you  poore  folks 
coiuonly  spoyle  yo*"  children,  in  sufFeringe  (them)  to  -breake 
Gods  Sabaothes,   etc  : 

"  To  an  other  she  said  you  have  many  cliildren,  bring  them 
up  well,  not  in  lyeing,  etc  : 

"To  an  other  she  said  God  forgive  yo''  sinnes  whatsoever 
they  be. 

1  Bridget  Clopton  married  John  Sampson,  of  Sampson's  Hall  in  Kersey. 


86  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

"To  good  wife  Cole  she  said,  you  are  a  good  woman,  I 
thanke  you  for  all  yof  palnes  towards  me,  God  reward  you. 

"  To  Hen :  Pease  she  said,  be  diligent  &  faithfull  in  yof 
worke,  or  els  when  death  come,  it  wilbe  layd  before  you ;  I 
pray  God  send  yoT  wife  good  deliverance,  she  may  doe  well, 
though  I  die,  bringe  up  my  god-daughter  well,  lett  hir  not 
want  correctio. 

"To  hir  keepf  she  said,  be  not  discouraged,  although  I  die, 
thou  hast  kej)t  many  that  have  doone  well,  thou  hast  but  one 
child,  bringe  it  up  well. 

"  Hir  payne  increased  verye  muchfe  in  her  brest,  w'^''  swelled 
so  as  they  were  forced  to  cutt  the  tyeings  of  hir  waystcote  to 
give  liir  ease  :  whilst,  she  laye  in  this  estate  she  ceased  not 
(albeit  she  was  verye  hoarse,  &  spake  w*'^  great  paine)  one 
while  to  exhorte,  another  while  to  praye.  Hir  usual  prayer 
was  Come  Lord  Jesus ;  When  Lord  Jesus,  etc  :  hir  exhorta- 
tion was  to  stirre  up  all  that  sawe  hir,  to  prepare  for  death, 
tellinge  them  that  they  did  not  knowe  how  sharpe  &  bitter  the 
pangs  of  deathe  were,  w*'^  many  like  speeches. 

"  In  this  tyme  she  prayed  for  the  Churche,  etc  :  &  for  the 
ministerye,  that  God  would  blesse  good  ministers,  &  convert 
such  ill  ones  as  did  belonge  to  him,  &  weed  out  the  rest. 
After  this  we  might  perceive  that  God  had  given  her  victorye, 
by  the  comfort  w'^'^  she  had  in  the  meditatio  of  hir  happinesse, 
in  the  favour  of  God  in  Ch*"'  J^sus.  Towards  afternoone  hir 
great  paynes  remitted,  &  she  laye  very  still,  &  said  she  sawe 
hir  tyme  was  not  yet  come,  she  should  live  24  howres  longer; 
then  when  any  asked  hir  how  she  did,  she  would  answer  pretily 
well,  but  in  hir  former  fitt,  to  that  question  she  would  answeare 
that  she  was  goelnge  the  way  of  all  flesh.  Then  she  prayed 
me  to  reade  by  hir,  when  I  asked  hir  where,  she  answeared.  In 
some  of  the  holye  gospells,  so  I  beganne  in  John  the  14,  & 
read  on  to  the  ende  of  the  17'''  Chapter.  And  when  I  pawsed, 
at  the  ende  of  any  sweet  sentence,  she  would  saye  this  is  com- 
fortable :  If  I  stayed  at  the  ende  of  any  Chapter  for  hir  to  take 
rest,  she  would  call  earnestly  to  read  on,  —  then  she  deshed 
to  take  a  little  rest. 


OF   JOHM    WINTHROP.  87 

"  She  often  prayed  God  to  forgive  tlie  sinncs  of  hir  youth, 
etc :  &  desu'ed  me  ofte  to  praye  for  hir,  that  God  would 
strengthen  hu-  with  his  holye  spii'it.  Afterj  she  desired  me 
againe  to  reade  to  hir  the  8"^  to  the  Rom%  &  the  11'*^  to  the 
Heb*,  whereby  she  received  great  comfort,  still  callinge  to 
reade  on,. then  I  read  the  116  ps.  this  is  a  sweet  psalm  (said 
she)  then  I  read  the  84  psal :  the  32,  36,  37,  &  other  places. 

"In  the  eveninge  Mr.  Sands  came  againe,  &  prayed,  &  soon 
after  she  tooke  him  by  the  hand  &  tould  him  she  would  bidd 
him  farewell,  for  she  knew  it  was  a  busie  night  w**^  him.  After, 
we  went  to  prayer,  &  when  we  had  doone,  '  O  what  a  wretche 
am  I  (said  she)  to  lose  the  ende  of  this  prayer,  for  I  was 
asleepe.' 

"After  we  had  continued  in  readinge  etc,  untill  late  in  the 
night,  she  asked  who  should  watche  w'^  hir,  &  when  we  tould 
hir,  she  was  satisfied,  &  disposed  hirselfe  to  rest. 

"  In  the  night  she  prayed  one  of  the  women  that  watched 
w^  her  to  read  unto  hir  :  whilst  I  was  gone  to  bedde,  she 
asked  often  for  me,  &  about  2  of  the  clocke  in  the  morninge 
I  came  to  hir.  Now  it  was  the  Sabaothe  day,  &  she  had  now 
&  then  a  brunt  of  temptation,  bewaylinge  that  she  could  not 
then  be  assured  of  hir  salvation,  as  she  had  been.  She  said 
that  the  devill  went  about  to  persuade  hir  to  cast  of  hir  subiec- 
tion  to  hir  husbande,  etc  : 

"That  Sabaothe  noone,  when  most  of  the  companie  were 
gone  downe  to  dinner,  when  I  discoursed  unto  hir  of  the  sweet 
love  of  Christ  unto  hir,  &  of  the  glorye  that  she  was  goeinge 
unto,  &  what  an  holye  everlastinge  Sabaothe  she  should  keepe, 
&  how  she  should  suppe  w**^  Christ  in  Paradise  that  night,  etc  : 
she  shewed  by  hir  speeches  &  gestures  the  great  ioye  &  stead- 
fast assurance  that  she  had  of  those  things.  When  I  tould  hir 
that  hir  Redeemer  lived,  &  that  she  should  see  him  w***  those 
poore  dimme  eyes,  w*^*'  should  be  bright  &  glorified,  she  an- 
swered cheerfully,  she  should.  When  I  tould  her  that  she 
should  leave  the  societie  of  freinds  w*^'^  were  full  of  infirmities, 
&  should  have  communio  w*'^  Abram,  Isaacke,  &  Jacob,  all 


88  LITE    AJSfD   LETTERS 

the  prophets  &  apostles  &  saints  of  God,  &  those  holye  mar- 
tu-s  (whose  stories  when  I  asked  hir  if  she  remembred  she 
answered  yea)  she  would  lifte  up  her  hands  &  eyes,  &  say,  yea 
she  should.  Suche  comforte  had  she  ag*  deathe  that  she  sted- 
fastly  professed  that  if  life  were  sett  before  hir  she  would  not 
take  it. 

"When  I  tould  hir  that  the  daye  before  was  12  monthes  she 
was  maried  to  me,  &  now  this  day  she  should  be  maried  to 
Ch*  Jesus,  who  would  embrace  her  w*^  another  manner  of  love 
than  I  could,  '  O  husband  (said  she,  &  spake  as  if  she  were 
offended,  for  I  perceived  she  did  mistake  me)  I  must  not  love 
thee  as  I  love  Christ.' 

"  Hir  hearing  still  continued,  &  hir  understandinge  very  per- 
fecte,  liir  sight  was  diiiied,  yet  she  knewe  every  bodye  to  the 
laste.  If  I  went  from  hir  she  would  call  for  me  againe,  & 
once  asked  me  if  I  were  angry  w"^  hir  that  I  would  not  staye 


w 


th 


her. 


"While  I  spake  to  hir  of  any  thinge  that  was  comfortable, 
as  the  promises  of  the  Gospell,  &  the  happie  estate  she  was 
entringe  into,  she  would  lye  still  &  fixe  her  eyes  stedfastly 
upon  me,  &  if  I  ceased  awhile  (when  hir  speeche  was  gone) 
she  would  turn  her  head  towards  me,  &  stirre  hir  hands  as 
well  as  she  could,  till  I  spake,  &  then  would  be  still  againe. 

"About  5  of  the  clocke,  Mf  Nicolson  came  to  hir  &  prayed 
with  hir,  &  about  the  ende  of  his  prayer,  she  fetched  2  or  3 
sighes,  &  fell  asleepe  in  the  Lorde.^ 

"The  Wensdaye  foUowinge  beinge  the  11  of  Dec.  she  was 
buried  in  Groton  chancell  by  my  other  wife,  &  hir  childe  was 
taken  up,  &  laid  w^'*  hir. 

"  She  was  a  woman  wise,  modest,  lovinge,  &  patient  of 
iniuries  ;  but  hir  innocent  &  harmeles  life  was  of  most  observa- 
tion. She  was' truly  religious,  &  industrious  therein;  plaine 
hearted,  &  free  from  guile,  &  very  humble  minded ;  never  so 

1  The  following  memorandum  is  inscribed  in  the  margin:  "  Decemb:  S""  1616.  An: 
setat:  34  come  12  of  Feb.  foil:  et  setat.  meae  29." 


or  jorm  winthrop.  80 

adicted  to  any  outward  thlnges  (to  my  iudgiii!)  but  that  she 
could  bringe  hir  affections  to  stoope  to  Gods  will  in  them.  She 
was  sparinge  in  outward  shewe  of  zeale,  etc.  but  hir  constant 
love  to  good  christians,  &  the  best  things,  av"'  hir  reverent 
&  carefull  attendance  of  Gods  ordinances,  botlie  ijubllqe  &, 
private,  w'^'  hir  care  for-  avoydlnge  of  evill  hirselfe,  &  reprov- 
inge  it  In  others,  did  plainly  shewe  that  truthe,  &  the  love  of 
God,  did  lye  at  the  heart.  Hir  lovlnge  &  tender  regard  of  my 
children  was  suche  as  might  well  become  a  naturall  mother  : 
ffor  hir  cariage  towards  myselfe,  it  was  so  amiable  &  observ- 
ant as  I  am  not  able  to  expresse ;  it  had  tliis  onely  inconve- 
nience, that  it  made  me  delight  too  muche  in  hir  to  enjoy e  hir 
longe."  » 


12 


90  LITE    AND   LETTERS 


CHAPTER    VI. 

EARLY  RELIGIOUS  EXPERIENCE  (CONTINUED),  1616-17. 

After  the  tribute  to  the  memory  of  his  wifo  which  has 
been  given  at  the  close  of  our  last  chapter,  there  is  a 
blank  space  in  Winthrop's  little  autograph  volume ;  and 
then  it  proceeds  with  the  religious  emotions  and  expe- 
riences of  the  succeeding  year.  Now  and  then  a  date 
will  be  found,  marking  the  precise  period  at  which  dif- 
ferent passages  were  written.  There  is  no  date,  how- 
ever, to  the  first  passage.  It  was  probably  written  not 
many  weeks,  perhaps  not  many  days,  after  the  sad 
scenes  which  had  been  so  minutely  and  touchingly 
recorded.  We  give  it  all  just  as  we  find  it.  We  should 
hardly  be  pardoned  for  interrupting  the  progress  of 
such  a  confession  by  any  comments  of  our  own ;  much 
less  for  mingling  any  other  matter  in  the  same  chapter 
with  a  self-communion  so  free  from  all  mere  worldly 
considerations. 

"  I  finde  by  often  experience  that  the  most  usuall  thinge  that 
breakes  off  my  comfort  in  God,  &  delight  in  heavenly  things, 
is  the  entertaininge  the  love  of  earthly  things  ;  —  for  having 
so  often  given  myselfe  unto  the  Lord,  by  particular  solemne 


OF   JOILN    WLNTHEOP.  91 

Covenants,  as  upon  my  recoveiye  out  of  my  quartan,  the 
deathe  of  my  former  wife,  deliverance  from  speciall  sicknesses, 
etc,  &  now  againc  upon  the  renuinge  of  my  repentance  in  this 
last  affliction  by  the  deathe  of  my  other  wife,  the  Lord  will  not 
endure  it  that  I  should  steale  my  afFectio  from  him,  to  sett 
it  againe  upon  the  world ;  so  as  I  perceive  that  lett  me  doe 
what  duties  I  will,  yet  if  my  heart  be  roaminge  after  pleasure, 
glorie,  profitt,  etc  :  he  abhorres  botlie  me  &  my  service  ;  so  as  I 
see  that  if  he  may  not  have  my  heart,  he  will  have  nothinge  :  — 
Heerupon  it  hathe  fallen  out  often  that  I  have  bestowed  a  great 
deale  of  tyme  in  prayer,  &  other  duties,  &  have  founde  no 
other  answeare  but  a  wounded  &  discontented  minde,  &  all 
because  I  have  brought  an  heart  haltinge  betweene  God  &  the 
worlde,  desirous  of  liis  favour,  &  yet  not  resolved  upon  the 
deniall  of  this  worlde  &  myselfe  ;  not  weigliinge  that  sentence 
of  Christ '  He  that  wilbe  my  disciple,  must  denie  himselfe,'  &c  : 
Againe  on  the  other  side  sometymes  upon  a  short  meditation, 
or  prayer,  a  secreat  grone,  or  desire  sent  up  into  heaven,  etc., 
I  have  founde  unspeakable  peace  &  comforte,  for  then  my 
heart  would  repose  itselfe  in  God,  &  yield  to  him  sayinge  w*^ 
Paul,  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  doe?  Whereupon  I 
conclude  that  I  cannot  serve  2  masters  ;  if  I  love  the  world, 
the  love  of  the  father  can  have  no  abidinge  in  me.  Tliis  be- 
numbs the  hand  of  faith,  casts  a  mist  before  the  eyes  of  it, 
cooles  the  zeale  of  prayer,  quenchethe  the  spii'it,  &  all  spiritual! 
affections,  &  layes  the  heart  open  to  the  force  of  all  tempta- 
tions. 

"Now  to  repell  all  suclie  lusts,  pleasures,  profitts  or  what- 
soever, that  would  steale  awaye  my  heart  from  my  God,  J  will 
meditate  upon  these  &  such  other  scriptures  : 

"If  then  ye  be  risen  w**^  Clu*ist,  seek  those  things  w*^*^  are 
above  &c  : 

"Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  of  the  world  &c  : 

"  My  Sonne  give  me  thy  heart : 

"  They  are  not  of  the  world,  as  I  am  not  of  the  world  : 

"  Demas  hath  forsaken  me  &  imbraced  tliis  present  world  : 


92  LITE    AJSTD   LETTEES 

"  —  The  world  is  crucified  to  me  &  I  to  the  world  : 

"  2  Pe.  1.  4.      Flee   the  corruptions  w'^'^  are  in  the  world 

through  lust : 

"  1  Pe.    2.    11.      As  strangers   &  Pilgrimes   abstaine   from 

fleshly  lusts  that  fight  against  the  soule. 

"Althoughe  the  losse  of  my  wife  were  to  me  a  grievous 
thinge,  yet  God,  in  his  more  than  fatherly  mercie,  drewe  my 
minde  from  beinge  too  intentive  upon  it,  by  givinge  me  cause 
to  looke  into  myselfe,  &  when  he  had  shewed  me  mine  owne 
nakednesse  &  unworthinesse,  &  thereby  sett  me  on  woork  to 
follow  liim  unweariably  in  prayer,  (not  onely  in  sett  &  solemne 
manner  upon  my  knees,  but  by  ofte  &  earnest  liftings  up  of 
my  heart,  as  I  was  walkinge,  &  sittinge,  havinge  good  incou- 
ragement,  by  his  presence  &  assistance,  to  provoke  me  there- 
unto,) wherein  I  could  not  tell  whither  were  greater  my  sorrowe, 
ioye,  desire  or  feare,  often  tymes  ;  &  giving  me  to  finde  muche 
sweetnesse  &  more  than  ordinary  rellishe  in  the  readinge  of  his 
holye  worde,  &  in  meditation,  etc  :  I  founde  in  one  fortnight, 
suche  an  abundant  recompence  of  my  losse,  as  I  might  saye 
w*^  the  prophet,  O  Lord  thou  hast  caused  my  ioye  to  surmount 
my  griefe  an  100  foulde.  O  my  soule,  prayse  the  Lord,  &  all 
that  is  w^'^in  me  prayse  his  holye  name ;  w°*^  forgiveth  thee  all 
thy  sinnes,  &  healeth  all  thy  Infirmities  :  My  soule,  what  wilt 
thou  returne  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefitts  ?  take  the  cuppe 
of  salvation  (w''''  he  houldeth  forthe  unto  thee)  &  thanke  him 
w"'  all  thy  might ;  Love  liim  w*''  all  thy  soule,  &  w*''  all  thy 
strengthe  ;  &  for  his  loves  sake  lett  all  thy  delight  be  in  the 
saints  that  are  on  the  earth.  Wronge  not  his  trueth  so  muche, 
as  to  distrust  him  either  for  thy  resurrectio  to  glorye,  or  thy 
perseverance  in  grace.  He  hathe  given  thee  his  Soiie,  who  is 
as  able  to  sanctifie  thee  as  he  is  to  save  thee ;  thou  art  nowe  no 
more  thine  owne';  he  hathe  sealed  thee  for  him  selfe,  by 'that 
spirit  of  adoption,  that  spirit  of  trueth  &  Comfort,  w'^'*  the 
world  nor  all  the  devills  in  hell  cannot  take  from  thee.  O 
Heavenly  father  strengthen  the  weake  faith  of  thy  most  unwor- 


k  OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  93 

tliie  semant ;  &  stablish  the  worke  thou  hast  wrought  in  me 
unto  the  ende.      Amen,  Amen. 

"  It  is  a  very  hard  thinge  to  love  Christ  as  well  in  contempt 
as  in  glorye,  &,  to  acknowledge  &  confesse  him  in  his  base 
estate,  as  being  exalted.  It  was  an  easye  tliinge  to  think 
gloriously  of  the  martirdome  of  such  as  Avere  glorious  in  world- 
ly respects,  as  learninge,  honor,  eminency  of  place,  or  great 
birth,  etc  :  &  on  the  other  side  no  easye  thinge  to  reade  the  liis- 
tories  of  suclie  as  were  vile,  &  base,  &  had  no  other  ornament 
but  naked  truethe,  AV*out  some  contemptible  thoughts  abatinge 
the  worthe  &  estimation  of  their  cause  &  sufferings.  These 
things  did  somewhat  trouble  me,  untill  I  considered  that  Chi'ist's 
Kingdome  was  not  of  tliis  worlde,  &  that  a  Christian  as  he 
must  beare  the  Crosse,  so  he  must  denye  himselfe,  w*^*^  is  the 
harde  thinge.  O  Lord,  for  J  :  C  :  sake  strengthen  me  here- 
unto. 

"Rom  :  7  :  18  :  —  In  me  (that  is  in  my  fleshe)  dwelleth  no 
good  thinge.  I  am  carnall,  soidd  under  sinne  ;  Dead  in  sinnes 
&c. 

"Before  I  beleeved  these  things,  as  coiiiinge  from  the  mouthe 
of  God  who  sees  what  is  in  mans  heart,  &  therefore  sees  that 
all  the  imaginations  of  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  are  onely  evill 
continually,  my  heart  would  ever  be  ready e  to  attribute  some- 
what to  its  owne  worthe  &  power,  in  the  well  doeing  of  any 
dutye,  notw*standinge  that  I  have  founde  the  contrarye  by 
muche  experience ;  for  sometymes  when  my  heart  hathe  been 
but  weakly  prepared  to  prayer  so  as  I  have  expected  little  com- 
fort, etc  :  yet  God  hath  filled  me  w*'^  suche  power  of  faith, 
sense  of  his  love,  etc :  as  hath  made  my  heart  mealt  w*''  ioye, 
etc  :  Againe  at  another  tyme,  when  I  have  settled  my  heart 
unto  prayer,  of  pm-pose  to  quicken  up  my  drowsie  affections, 
&  to  strengthen  my  faith,  etc  :  yet  I  could  not,  w"^  aU  my 
labour,  althoughe  continuinge  longer,  &  in  greater  fervency 
then  ordinary,  gett  my  faith  strengthened,  or  my  heart  hum- 
bled &  broke,  or  the  feelinge  of  the  love  of  God  shedd  abroad 


94  LITE    AND   LETTERS  • 

in  my  heart,  but  the  rather  more  doubtings  &  discouragements, 
etc  :  yet  when  I  have  been  forced  w*?  wearlnesse  to  give  over, 
even  in  the  very  partinge  Christ  hathe  shewed  himself  unto  me, 
&  answered  all  my  desires.  And  hereby  he  hath  taught  me  to 
trust  to  his  free  love,  &  not  to  the  power  or  selfeworthe  of  my 
best  prayers,  &  yet  to  lett  mee  see  that  true  prayer,  humble 
prayer,  shaU  never  be  unregarded. 

"  When  I  was  a  boye  I  was  at  a  house,  where  I  spied  2  small 
bookes  lye  cast  aside,  so  I  stole  them,  &  brought  them  awaye 
w*^  me  ;  &  since  when  they  have  come  to  my  minde  I  have 
grieved  at  it,  &  would  gladly  have  made  restitution,  but  that 
shame  still  letted  me  ;  &  when  I  had  thought  I  had  stilled  my 
conscience,  by  consideringe  the  smallnesse  of  the  value,  my  will- 
ingnesse  to  restore,  etc  :  yet  would  not  my  conscience  be  quiet, 
but  in  everye  affliction,  especially  in  this  last,  in  the  deathe  of 
my  wife,  it  mett  w**^  me  at  every  turne,  neither  could  I  be  ridde 
of  the  checkes  of  it  untill  I  did  (through  Gods  direction)  finde 
a  meanes  to  make  satisfaction ;  w*^^  doone,  I  had  peace,  &  was 
in  muche  better  lib*^®  of  heart  than  before,  Gods  holy  name  be 
praysed. 

"  It  is  a  better  and  more  safe  estate  to  be  prepared  to  die  then 
to  desire  deathe,  for  tliis  coinonly  hath  more  selfe  love  w*  it 
then  pure  love  of  God  :  And  it  is  a  signe  of  more  strength  of 
faithe,  &  Christian  courage,  to  resolve  to  fight  it  out,  then  to 
wish  for  the  victory e. 

"The  fleslie  is  eagerly  inclined  to  pride,  &  wantonnesse,  by 
w"'^  it  playes  the  tirant  over  the  poore  soule,  maldnge  it  a  verye 
slave ;  the  workes  of  of  callings  beinge  diligently  followed,  are 
a  speciall  meanes  to  tame  it,  &  so  is  temperance  in  diet,  for 
idlenesse  (under  w*^^  are  all  suche  workes  as  are  doone  to  fuUfill 
the  will  of  the  "fleshe  rather  then  of  the  spirit,)  &  gluttonie 
are  the  2  maine  pillars  of  the  fleshe  hir  kingdome.  See  Eccl : 
1:   13. 


OF   JOHN  WTNTHEOr.  95 

"  After  I  had  somewhat  shaked  off  m j  afliction ,  &  had  held 
in  to  a  temperate  course,  &  had  been  pretily  wayned  from  the 
worlde,  &  had  brought  under  my  rebellious  fleshe,  &  pretylye 
tamed  it  by  moderate  &  spare  diet,  &  houldinge  it  somewhat 
close  to  its  taske,  by  prayer,  readinge,  meditation  &  the  workes 
of  my  callinge,  not  suffering  it  to  be  idle  nor  yet  to  be  busied 
in  suchc  things  as  it  did  desire,  etc  :  after  a  monthe  or  5  weeks 
continuance  thus,  this  wilye  fleshe  beganne  to  fainte,  &  seemed 
as  thoughe  it  could  not  longe  hould  out,  it  grewe  aguishe  & 
lumpishe,  etc  :  so  as  if  Clmst  had  not  heere  holpen  me,  I  had 
through  too  light  beleefe,  &  foolish  pittie,  lightened  it  of  the 
burthen  &  letten  it  have  more  lib"^  to  mine  owne  overthrowe  ; 
but  God  being  mercifuU  to  me,  forced  me  (even  against  my 
will)  to  lay  more  loade  upon  it,  &  to  sett  it  a  greater  taske, 
for  he  lett  in  suche  discomforts,  of  anguish,  feare,  unquietnesse, 
etc,  upon  my  soule,  as  made  me  forgett  the  grones  of  the  fleshe 
&  take  care  to  helpe  my  pore  soule,  &  so  was  the  fleshe  forced 
to  be  more  stronge  &  lively,  when  it  was  putt  to  greater  labour  ; 
yet  as  soone  as  the  soule  was  at  quiet  againe,  the  fleshe  fell  to 
his  former  course,  &  grewe  exceedinge  discontented,  w^hen  it 
remembered  the  fleshe  potts  of  Egypt,  the  former  pleasure, 
ease,  recreations,  mirthe,  etc  :  w'^^  it  had  wont  to  enioye.  And 
even  like  a  horse  in  his  travaile  wilbe  eager  to  runne  into  suche 
an  Inne,  as  he  hathe  been  used  to  baite  at,  so  this  wanton  bruit- 
ishe  fleshe  at  suche  tymes  of  the  daye,  as  it  was  wonte  to  have 
most  hbertie  to  those  former  lusts  &  follies,  at  such  tymes 
would  it  be  most  discontent  w*'^  its  imprisonment,  &  most 
madde  after  his  wonted  baits  of  pleasure,  etc :  And  in  these 
temptations  I  was  sometymes  very  hard-  putt  to,  yet  hathe 
Christ  (whose  I  am  whollye)  hitherto  so  strengthened  me, 
that  the  fleshe  hathe  loste  grounde  in  all  these  assaults.  And 
these  tilings  doe  turne  to  my  great  benefitt,  throughe  the  free 
&  neverfailinge  mercie  of  my  heavenly  father,  so  as  I  am 
resolved,  by  his  grace  (O  Lord  lett  not  thy  grace  faile  me,  I 
feare  indeed  greatly  mine  owne  frailetye,  but  I  neither  hope 
nor  desire,    O   Lord  thou  knowest,   to   stand  by  mine   owne 


96  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

strengthe,  wisdome,  etc  :  but  onely  by  falthe  in  Christ  Jesus,) 
I  am  resolved,  I  saye,  to  stand  to  the  Covenant  of  my  bap- 
tisme,  renued  so  often  since  ;  &  forsomuche  as  Christ  hatha 
freed  me  from  the  fearfull  &  woeful!  slavery  of  the  world  & 
the  flesh,  I  will  not  backe  to  prison  againe,  though  I  die  for 
it.  (Yet  O  my  poore  soule,  thou  knowest,  that  if  thou  wert 
even  now  left  to  thy  selfe,  thou  shouldst  even  in  this  instant  be 
made  a  slave  againe,  but  O  my  heavenly  father,  for  Jes  :  Christ 
his  sake  keepe  me  ;  If  thou  wilte,  correct,  humble,  or  trye  me  ; 
let  me  fall  into  thy  hands,  for  thou  art  mercifull,  but  give  me 
not  up  into  the  impure  hands  of  these  barbarous  enemies  the 
world  &  the  fleshe  ;  lett  not  the  habitation  of  thy  holy  spirit  be 
pointed  by  them,  nor  lett  thy  temple  become  a  denne  for 
theeves).  Throughe  Christ  Jesus  the  world  is  crucified  unto 
me,  &  I  to  the  world ;  I  owe  nothing  to  it,  nor  to  the  fleshe, 
but  have  bidden  defiance  to  them  w*^  my  whole  heart,  &  I  am 
resolved  (Lord  strengthen  mee,  O  strengthen  me  my  God  & 
father)  that  come  life,  come  deathe  ;  come  healthe,  come  sick- 
nesse  ;  come  good  reporte  or  evill  reporte ;  come  ioye,  come 
sorrowe  ;  come  weal  the,  come  povertie ;  come  what  may,  I 
will  never  yield  me  a  prisoner  to  these  enemies,  I  will  never  be 
reconciled  unto  them,  I  will  never  seeke  their  weal  the  nor  pros- 
peritie  all  the  dayes  of  my  life  ;  for  I  knowe  that  if  I  enter 
friendship  w''^  them,  they  will  cause  me  to  eate  of  their  sacri- 
fices, &  so  w*'^drawe  my  hearte  from  my  God  to  runne  roam- 
inge  after  them  &  to  committ  Idolatrye  w*^  them. 

"Jany  20.  Our  Sess"^  ^  were,  against  w°?  (fearinge  greatly 
mine  owne  frailtie)  I  did  prepare  myself  by  earnest  prayer  etc  : 
&  my  tyme,  as  I  rode,  I  spent  as  well  as  I  could  in  good  medi- 
tations, &  kept  my  course  of  prayer  etc  :  as  well  as  conveni- 
ently I  could  while  I  was  there,  refraininge  my  mouthe,  eyes. 


1  It  will  be  observed,  that  Winthrop  makes  frequent  reference,  during  the  whole 
period  covered  by  these  self-communings,  to  his  engagements  in  attending  the  sessions 
of  the  courts,  and  to  his  discharge  of  his  duties  as  a  magistrate. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  97 

« 

&  cares  from  vanltie,  as  well  as  I  could,  &  so  it  pleased  God 
that  I  brought  home  my  peace  &  good  conscience  w'**  me,  yet 
my  love  of  goodness  some  what  abated,  w'^^  I  perceived  not  till 
a  daye  or  2  after,  when  I  began  to  be  somewhat  loathe  to 
prayer  &  good  communicatio ;  the  fleshe  beginninge  to  favoiu'e 
itselfe,  but  it  pleased  God  by  prayer  to  quicken  me  againe. 
^^^len  I  was  at  Scss'"  I  kept  a  continuall  watche  (as  neere  as 
I  could),  but  yet  when  I  sawe  &  heard  the  great  accompt  & 
estimation  that  the  wisdome,  glorye,  weal  the,  pleasure  &  such 
like  worldly  felicitie  was  in  w**'  all,  methought  I  hearde  all  men 
tellinge  me  I  was  a  foole,  to  sett  so  light  by  honour,  credite, 
welthe,  iollitie  etc  :  w^'^  I  sawe  so  many  wise  men  so  much 
afFecte  &  ioye  in,  &  to  tye  my  comforte  to  a  conversation  in 
heaven,  w^?  was  no  Avhere  to  be  scene,  no  way  regarded,  wl'* 
would  bring  my  selfe  &  all  my  gifts  into  contempt,  etc  :  These 
&  the  like  baites  did  Sathan  laye  for  me,  &  w"^  these  enymies 
he  did  ofte  tymes  sore  shake  my  faithe ;  but  Christ  was  in  me, 
&  uphelde  my  resolution,  &  he  will  uphould  it  (I  truste  & 
praye)  that  my  faithe  shall  never  faile.  O  Lord  keepe  me 
that  I  be  not  discouraged,  neither  tliinke  the  more  meanly  of 
the  portion  w*^'^  I  have  chosen,  even  to  walke  w*'^  thee,  &  to 
keepe  thy  Coinandments,  because  the  ^vise  ones  of  this  world 
doe  not  regarde  but  contemne  these  things.  Thou  assurest  my 
heart  that  I  am  in  a  right  course,  even  the  narrowe  waye  that 
leads  to  heaven  :  Thou  tellest  me,  &  all  experience  tells  me, 
that  in  this  way  there  is  least  companie,  &  that  those  w*'''  doe 
walke  openly  in  tliis  way  shalbe  despised,  pointed  at,  hated  of 
the  world,  made  a  byworde,  reviled,  slandered,  rebuked,  made 
a  gazinge  stocke,  called  puritans,  nice  fooles,  hipocrites,  hair- 
brainde  fellowes,  rashe,  indiscreet,  vain-glorious,  &  all  that 
naught  is ;  yet  all  this  is  nothlnge  to  that  w*^'^  many  of  thine 
excellent  servants  have  been  tried  w*!",  neither  shall  they 
lessen  the  glorie  thou  hast  prepared  for  us.  Teache  me,  O 
Lord  to  putt  my  trust  in  thee,  then  shall  I  be  like  mount 
Sion  that  cannot  be  removed.     Amen. 

13 


98  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

* 

"Feb:  3,  I  went  towards  London,  &  returned  soone,  the 
11.  I  went  forthe  sickly,  but  returned  (I  prayse  God)  safe, 
&  healthie.  Whereas  I  was  wont  to  lose  all  my  tyme  in  my 
iournies,  my  eyes  runninge  upon  everye  obiect,  &  my  thoughts 
varieing  w*^'^  everye  occasion,  it  pleased  God  that  I  no  we  made 
great  use  of  my  tyme,  bothe  in  prayeing,  singing,  &  medi- 
tatinge  w*''  good  intentio  &  muche  comforte.  Amongst  other 
things,  I  had  a  very  sweet  meditation  of  the  presence  &  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  hearts  of  the  faithfull,  ho  we  he  reveales 
the  love  of  God  in  of  hearts,  &  causeth  us  to  love  God  againe  ; 
howe  he  unites  all  the  faithfull  in  deed  &  in  affection  :  howe  he 
opens  of  understandings  in  the  misteries  of  the  gospell,  & 
makes  us  to  beleeve  &  obeye  :  &  of  the  sweet  consent  .betweene 
the  worde  &  the  spirit,  the  spirit  leadinge  &  directinge  us  in  all 
things  according  to  the  worde  :  I  am  not  able  to  expresse  the 
understandinge  w^**  God  gave  me  in  this  heavenly  matter,  nei- 
ther the  ioye  that  I  had  in  the  apprehension  thereof.  Other 
meditations  I  had  of  my  sinnes  &  unworthinesse,  of  the  exceed- 
inge  mercies  of  God  towards  me,  etc  :  '&  no  we  &  then  to 
refreshe  me  when  I  grewe  weary e  I  had  a  prayer  in  my  heart, 
&  sometymes  I  sunge  a  psalm.  I  founde  it  verye  hard  to  bringe 
my  h.eart  heerunto,  my  eyes  were  so  eager  of  wanderinge,  & 
my  minde  so  lotlie  to  be  heald  w*Hn  compasse ;  but  after  I  gatt 
into  it,  I  founde  great  sweetnesse  therein,  it  shortned  my  waye 
&  liffhtned  all  suche  troubles  &  difficulties  as  I  was  wont  to 
meet  w*. 

"  After  my  returne  I  founde  w*''in  a  4  or  5  dayes  when  I 
should  beginne  to  settle  to  my  ordinary  taskes,  etc  :  that  the 
fleshe  had  gotten  head  &  heart  againe,  &  beganne  to  linger 
after  the  world ;  the  society  of  the  saints  seemed  a  contempti- 
ble thinge,  meditations  were  few,  prayer  was  teadious,  &  fain 
would  the  fleshe  have  been  at  an  ende  before  I  beganne  :  I 
grewe  drowsie  •&  dull  in  every  good  dutie  ;  it  made  me  marvaile 
at  my  selfe  when  I  remembred  my  former  alacritie  ;  I  prayed 
&  I  wept,  yet  still  I  grewe  more  discouraged :  —  God  beinge 
mercifull  unto  me,  heerby  to  revive  me,   at  length  I  fell  to 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  99 

a 

prayer  &  fastinge,  wlicreto  the  fleslie  was  as  unwillinge  as  the 
bear  to  the  stake,  yet  it  pleased  God  that  hereby  I  recovei'cd 
life  &  comfortc,  &  then  I  founde  plainely  that  not  keepinge  a 
strict  watche  over  my  appetite,  but  feedinge  more  liberally  than 
was  meet,  or  then  before,  of  late,  I  was  wont,  the  fleshe  waxed 
wanton,  &  would  no  longer  weare  the  yoake,  but  beganne  to 
growe  ioUye  &  slouthfull,  as  it  had  wont  to  doe,  &  to  minde 
earthly  things.  O  the  deepe  deceitfullnesse  of  my  heart ;  if 
God  had  lefte  me,  I  had  even  nowe  forsaken  liira,  &  embraced 
my  former  folly e  &  worldly  delights.  But  blessed  be  the  Lord 
that  remembred  me  in  the  day  of  perill,  &  saved  me  ;  O  my 
God  doe  not  forsake  me  in  the  tyme  of  need. 

"I  finde  by  ofte  &  evident  experience,  that  Avheu  I  hould 
under  the  fleshe  by  temperate  diet,  &  not  sufFeringe  the  minde 
or  outward  senses  to  have  everye  thinge  that  they  desire,  & 
weane  it  from  the  love  of  the  worlde,  I  ever  then  praye  w*^out 
wearinesse,  or  ordinary  wanderinge  of  heart,  &,  am  farre  more 
fitt  &  cheerefiill  to  the  duties  of  my  callinge  &>  other  duties, 
performinge  them  w*?  more  alacritle  &  comfort  then  at  other 
tymes. 

"  Xot  longe  after  fallinge  into  a  light  ague,  I  tooke  occasion 
thereby  to  favour  myselfe  more  then  I  needed,  &  Sathan  made 
use  of  this  oportunitie  by  reason  of  the  weaknesse  of  my  head 
to  fill  my  heart,  first  w*^  wandering  thoughts,  so  drawinge  me 
from  good  meditations,  &  then  enticinge  me  to  delight  in  world- 
ly thoughts,  w*?  at  last  my  heart  did  embrace  so  eagerly,  as  I 
could  not  for  my  life  gett  my  minde  from  them,  but  they  inter- 
rupted my  prayers,  brake  my  sleepe,  abated  the  wonted  relishe 
of  heavenly  thinges,  tooke  awaye  my  appetite  from  the  worde, 
made  the  duties  of  my  callinge  teadious,  &  filled  me  w*'^  muche 
discomforte,  so  as  I  thought  upon  that  sayeinge,  All  is  vanitie, 
&  vexatio  of  spirit. 

"  I  see  therefore  I  must  keepe  a  better  watche  over  my  heart, 
&  keepe  my  thoughts  close  to  good  things,  &  not  suffer  a  vaine 
or  worldly  thought  to  enter,  etc :   least  it  drawe  the  heart  to 


100  LIFE   AJSTD   LETTERS 

delight  In  It.  And  therefore  I  propose  (so  farre  as  God  shall 
give  me  grace)  to  stint  myselfe  to  my  tymes  in  this  sort,  except 
necessarie  occaslo  makes  me  to  alter  : 

"  ffirst,  for  the  forenoone  to  spende  It  whoUye  In  the  service 
of  God  &  duties  of  my  callinge.  After  dinner  ^  I  vs^ill  allow 
an  howre  to  my  worldly  affaires,  &  If  need  shall  so  require 
somewhat  more,  otherwise  (when  it  will  stand  w*^  my  health  & 
other  conveniences)  In  visitinge  some  neighbour  or  etc  :,  &  then 
to  my  study e  agalne.  And  when  my  Callinge  will  give  me 
llbertie,  to  some  other  profitable  study e  as  occaslo  shall  serve. 
(As  soone  as  I  had  written  this,  Sathan  beganne  to  tempt  me, 
w*'^  his  wonted  baltes  of  worldly  pleasure.  In  a  thinge  wherein 
I  have  muche  busied  my  thoughts  to  finde  out  the  lawfullnesse, 
&  convenlencle,  etc  :  &  when  I  would  have  putt  it  out  of  my 
minde,  Sathan  suggests  to  me,  that  I  should  sinne  except  I  did 
presently  determine  In  my  heart  wlilther  I  would  doe  It  or  not, 
(&  by  this  sleight  he  had  ofte  circumvented  me)  but  it  pleased 
God  to  putt  Into  my  mouthe  to  answeare  him  thus,  Avoyd 
Sathan,  tills  Is  not  the  tyme  for  to  think  or  resolve  upon  these 
thinges,  they  have  their  tyme  sett  out  for  them,  &  when  that 
tyme  comes  I  will  resolve  &  doe  as  God  shall  guide  me :  thus 
by  this  meditation  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  strengthen  me  at  that 
tyme,  blessed  be  lils  holy  name.  Amen.) 

"  Mr.  Sands  :  In  indifferent  thinges  my  perswaslon  must  be 
my  guide. 

"  It  was  delivered  me  by  Mr.  Sands  as  upon  his  best  Judgm* 
&  experience,  that  a  Christian  Is  bounde  to  make  use  of  his 
Sabaothe  buslnesse  all  the  weeke  after,  &  that  so  to  doe  would 
keepe  away  muche  uncomfortable  discontent  from  a  Christian 
minde,  as  thus  :  A  man  should  sett  apart  some  tyme  of  the 
daye  throughe  the  weeke,  to  goe  over  the  tilings  w*^*^  he  hathe 
learned  In  the  Sabaothe,  either  In  his  prayer  or  meditatio ;  &  a 

1  The  hour  for  dinner  was  probably  not  later  than  eleven  or  twelve.  "  In  the  time 
of  Elizabeth,  the  gentry  dined  at  eleven,  and  the  merchants  at  twelve."  —  Our  English 
Home,  p.  34. 


OF   JOHN   'WINTHROP.  101 

man  doeing  this  of-  conscience,  as  Gods  ordinance,  God  would 
blesse  it.  And  as  of  of  hearinge  so  of  of  prayers,  readinge, 
meditatinge  etc,  looke  what  speciall  affections  are  stirred  up  in 
us  by  any  of  these  on  the  Sabaothes,  we  should  worke  upon 
them  in  the  weeke  dayes ;  for  certainly  the  Sabaothe  is  the 
markett  of  of  soules. 

"  "V^Hien  a  man  leads  a  life  secluded  from  the  coinon  delights 
of  the  worlde,  &  gives  himselfe  to  walke  whollye  w"^  God,  he 
shall  heare  many  sayinge.  He  will  shorten  his  dayes,  he  will 
pine  himselfe,  he  will  be  overruune  w"^  melancolie  &c  :  But 
suerly  a  man  so  livinge,  shall  doe  more  honor  to  God,  &  ser- 
vice to  his  Churche  in  a  very  shorte  life,  then  another  (although 
a  true  Christian,  also)  livinge  at  more  lib*^*^  shall  doe  in  a  muche 
longer  tyme  :  for  the  more  differinge  that  a  mans  conversation 
is  from  the  coinon  course  of  the  worlde,  the  more  occasio  & 
matter  there  is  of  the  observation  of  Gods  work  in  liim  :  And 
since  there  are  so  many  that  in  an  overmuche  respecte  to  their 
owne  outward  felicitie  take  more  lib"*^  in  these  outward  things 
then  standeth  w*^  Gods  will,  who  shall  forbidd  others  (there 
beinge  so  fewe  suche)  to  tender  God  more  fruits  of  their  love 
&  thankfullnesse,  by  abridging  themselves  in  the  number  & 
measure  of  suche  outward  comforts  as  they  might  lawfuly 
inioye.  But  yet  I  see  no  grounde  for  suche  opinions,  for 
besides  that  God  hathe  numbered  of  dayes  etc,  there  are  many 
places  in  scripture  w'^!^  may  make  us  looke  that  holynesse 
should  lengthen  of  life,  &  sweeten  it,  but  none  to  make  us  feare 
that  it  should  discomfort  or  shorten  it.  O  Lord,  enhable  me  to 
live  righteously  &  holyly,  &  I  shall  not  be  muche  carefuU  of 
livinge  longe  or  hapylye. 

"I  had  been  overtaken,  &  turned  out  of  my  course  by  enter- 
taininge  the  love  of  pleasures,  &  worldly  cares  into  my  heart, 
w''^  brought  me  out  of  peace  w*^  my  God,  &  tooke  aw  aye  my 
delight  in  prayer  &  other  duties,  &  made  me  utterly  unfitt  for 
study e  in  my  Callinge.     In  this  estate  my  heart  could  not  be 


102  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

at  rest,  I  could  not  live  so ;  I  humbled  myselfe  &  sought  par- 
don &  peace  agalne,  &  I  oftentymes  was  well  comforted  & 
persuaded  of  it,  but  It  was  soone  gone  againe,  &  I  returned 
backe  to  my  former  unsettled  &  voluptuous  course,  yet  rest- 
lesse  therein.  The  Sabaothe  came,  I  arose  betymes,  &  read 
over  the  covenant  of  certaine  Christians  sett  downe  in  Mr. 
Rogers  booke,  &  therew^''  my  heart  beganne  to  breake,  &  my 
worldly  delights  w*^*^  had  heald  my  heart  in  suche  slaverye  be- 
fore, beganne  to  be  distastefull  &  of  meane  account  w"?  me,  I 
concluded  w*^  prayer  in  teares  ;  &  so  to  my  family  exercise,  & 
then  to  Churche,  my  heart  belnge  still  somewhat  humbled 
under  Gods  hande,  yet  could  not  gett  at  lib*'*^  from  my  vaine 
pleasures  :  After  dinner  &  of  famyly  exercise,  I  read  Mr. 
Perkins  treatise  of  the  estate  of  a  Christian,  &c,  thereby  as 
my  heart  grewe  more  humbled,  so  my  aiFections  were  more 
reclaimed.  I  went  to  Boxsted  ^  Churche  in  the  afternoone 
where  I  heard  w*^  some  affection  &  found  sometymes  a  comforta- 
ble consent  in  prayer  ;  being  returned  I  went  into  my  chamber 
to  prayer,  but  beinge  hot  &  weary  w*^  goeinge  I  was  forced  to 
leave.  I  layde  me  downe  upon  the  bed  allmost  overcome  w*^ 
discontent  arisinge  partly  of  my  wearinesse  etc.  I  could  not 
bringe  my  minde  to  think  seariously  of  any  good  thinge,  but  it 
besfanne  to  wander  &  be  idle,  so  I  arose,  &  knelt  downe  to 
praye  againe,  but  could  not ;  then  I  endeavored  to  praye 
standinge,  &  so  strivinge  w*''  the  Lord  for  helpe  ag"^*  my  weak- 
nesse.  At  last  he  enabled  me  to  my  full  content,  &  then  my 
heart  gave  in,  &  I  renounced  my  beloved  pleasures,  &  was 
wilHnge  to  denye  my  selfe  ;  then  was  my  minde  &  conscience  at 
sweet  rest,  &  I  desired  notliinge  so  much  as  Christ  Jesus  &  the 
fellowsliip  of  his  holy  Spirit;  then  my  soule  despised  & 
abhorred  my  former  beloved  vanityes ;  then  was  I  content  to 
be  at  Gods  allowance,  that  I  might  enioye  his  love  &>  the  light 
of  his  countenance,  althoughe  it  were  w*'^  bread  &  water.    Then 


1  This  seems  to  be  Boxsted,  a  parish  in  Suffolk  County,  not  far  from  Lavenham.    It 
may  have  been  intended  for  Boxford,  which  was  nearer  to  Groton. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHKOP.  103 

I  sawe  playnely  that  the  usuall  cause  of  the  heavinesse  & 
uncomfortable  life  of  many  Christians  is  not  their  religion,  or 
the  AA'ant  of  outward  comforts  (for  Gods  presence  in  favour 
brings  all  sufficiency  w"'  it,  as  Psal :  —  In  thy  presence  there 
is  fullnesse  of  loye  &c.)  but  because  their  consciences  enforce 
them  to  leave  soine  beloved  unlavvfull  lib^®  before  their  hearts 
are  resolved  willingly  to  forsake  it :  whereas  if  we  could  denye 
of  owne  desires  &  be  content  to  live  by  faithe  in  our  God,  the 
Christian  life  would  be  the  only  merry e  &  sweet  life  of  all.  O 
Heavenly  Father  I  beseeche  thee  give  me  grace  to  watche  & 
be  sober,  &  lett  thy  favour  &  my  peace  in  it  be  ever  of  more 
account  w*^  me  then  all  the  world  besides  it.     Amen. 

"After  tliis,  settlinge  myselfe  to  walke  uprightly  w*^  my  God, 
&  diligently  in  my  callinge,  &  havinge  an  heart  willinge  to 
denye  myselfe,  I  found  the  Godly  life  to  be  the  only  sweet  life, 
&  my  peace  w*^  my  God  to  be  a  true  heaven  upon  earthe.  I 
founde  God  ever  p^'sent  w**^  me,  in  prayer  and  meditation,  in 
the  duties  of  my  callinge,  etc  :  I  could  truely  loath  my  former 
folly  in  preferringe  the  love  of  eartlily  pleasures  before  the  love 
of  my  heavenly  father.  I  did  wonder  what  madnesse  was  in 
me,  that  I  should  leave  the  fellowshippe  of  my  Saviour,  to  keepe 
fellowsliippe  w**^  unfruitfull  works  of  darknesse  ;  I  was  not  then 
troubled  w^"^  the  coiiion  cares  &  desires  that  I  was  wont  to  be 
taken  up  w*^,  as  of  food,  apparell,  credit,  pleasure,  etc :  but 
was  well  contented  w*''  what  God  sent :  what  can  I  say  ?  I  finde 
a  change  in  my  heart  &  whole  man,  as  apparent  as  from  dark- 
nesse to  light.  God  of  his  mercie  continue  &  increase  it.  I 
finde  w*^all  that  I  was  ready e  upon  every  obiect  or  occasion,  to 
embrace  the  delight  in  eartlily  tilings  againe,  w"^^  I  see  plainly 
vnll  soone  gett  w*4n  me  againe,  if  I  slacke  my  watchfullnesse 
never  so  little,  so  as  I  resolve  by  Gods  grace  to  keepe  my  heart 
w*''  all  diligence,  &  to  sett  a  watche  over  my  moutlie,  eyes, 
ears,  etc,  when  I  am  alone,  in  companye,  at  home,  abroad,  in 
every  business,  service  of  God,  etc.  O  Lord  my  God,  for 
Jesus  Christ  liis  sake  inable  me  heerunto,  and  strengthen  the 
poore  weake  faithe  of  thy  unworthy  servant. 


104  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

"Before  the  week  was  gone  about  I  beganne  to  lose  my 
former  affections,  I  iiphelde  the  outward  dutjes,  but  the  power 
&  life  of  them  was  in  a  manner  gone ;  I  prayed  as  I  was  wont, 
but  I  could  not  finde  that  comfort  &  feelinge  w'?  I  had ;  I  did 
the  duties  of  my  Callinge,  but  not  so  cheerfully  &  fruitfully  : 
&  still  the  more  I  prayed  &  meditated,  etc  :  the  worse  I  grewe, 
the  more  dull,  unbehevinge,  vaine  in  heart,  etc  :  so  as  I  waxt 
exceeding  discontent  &  impatient,  beinge  sometymes  ready  to 
frett  &  storme  ag*  God  because  I  founde  not  that  blessinge 
upon  my  prayers  &  other  meanes  that  I  did  expecte  ;  but  O  Lord 
forgive  me  :  Searchinge  my  heart  at  last,  I  founde  the  world 
had  stollen  away  my  love  from  my  God,  &  that  I  was  growne 
from  depending  upon  him  to  trust  to  my  prayers  &  outward 
dutyes,  &  so  not  diligently  observing  my  heart,  as  I  should 
have  done,  the  devill  had  gotten  w*'^in  me,  &  had  deceived  me. 
Then  I  acknowledged  my  unfaitlifullnesse  &  pride  of  heart,  & 
turned  againe  to  my  God,  &  humbled  my  soule  before  him, 
&  he  returned,  &  accepted  me,  &  so  I  renewed  my  Covenant  of 
walking  w*'^  my  God,  &  watchinge  my  heart  &  wayes.  O  my 
God,  forsake  me  not. 

"When  I  had  some  tyme  abstained  from  suche  worldly 
delights  as  my  heart  most  desired,  I  grewe  very  melancholick 
&  uncomfortable,  for  I  had  been  more  careful  to  refraine  from 
an  outward  conversation  in  the  world,  then  to  keepe  the  love 
of  the  world  out  of  my  heart,  or  to  uphold  my  conversation  in 
heaven ;  w'^^  caused  that  my  comfort  in  God  failinge,  &  I  not 
daringe  to  meddle  w^^  any  earthly  delights,  I  grewe  into  a 
great  dullnesse  &  discontent :  w^"^  beinge  at  last  perceived,  I 
examined  my  heart,  &  findinge  it  needfull  to  recreate  my  minde 
w*^  some  outward  recreation,  I  yielded  unto  it,  &  by  a  moderate 
exercise  herein  was  muche  refreshed ;  but  heere  grewe  the  mis- 
chiefs :  I  perceirvinge  that  God  &  mine  owne  conscience  did 
alowe  me  so  to  doe  in  my  need,  I  afterwards  tooke  occasion, 
from  the  benefite  of  Christian  lib*^'',  to  pretend  need  of  recrea- 
tion when  there  was  none,  &  so  by  degrees  I  ensnared  my  heart 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  •  105 

SO  farre  in  worldly  delights,  as  I  cooled  the  graces  of  the  spirit 
by  them :  ^Vhereby  I  perceive  that  iu  all  outward  comforts, 
althoughe  God  allowe  us  the  use  of  the  things  themselves,  yet 
it  must  be  in  sobriety,  &  o?'  hearts  must  be  kept  free,  for  he  is 
jealous  of  of  love,  &  will  not  endure  any  pretences  in  it. 

"Havinge  occasio  of  conference  w*'^  a  Christian  friend  or  2, 
God  so  blessed  it  unto  us,  as  we  were  all  much  quickened  & 
refreshed  by  it ;  the  matter  of  of  conference  was  not  doubtful! 
questions  to  exercise  oF  "witts,  etc  :  but  a  familiar  examination 
of  o*"  owne  experiences.  Growinge  dull  in  prayer,  &  un will- 
Inge  thereunto,  I  founde  one  great  cause  to  be,  that  I  was  dis- 
couraged, because  I  could  not  find  that  my  prayers  were  heai'd  ; 
thereupon  examininge  farther  I  founde  the  cause  of  that  to  be, 
that  I  had  not  prayed  in  faith,  as  well  as  in  affection  of  desire, 
for  I  remembred  that  where  I  was  wont  to  come  to  God  in 
assm-ance  to  be  heard  because  of  his  promise,  I  knewe  then 
that  my  prayers  were  answered,  &  I  came  many  tymes  w*'^  as 
good  a  will  to  prayer,  as  I  was  wonte,  when  being  hungry, 
to  come  to  my  meals.  Wherefore  O  Lord  I  beseeche  thee 
strengthen  &  Increase  my  faithe. 

"Lookinge  over  some  lettres  of  kindnesse  that  had  passed 
between  my  first  wife  &  me,  &  beinge  thereby  affected  w*^  the 
remembrance  of  that  entire  &  sweet  love  that  had  been  some- 
tymes  between  us,  God  brought  me  by  that  occasion  in  to  suche 
a  heavenly  meditation  of  the  love  betweene  Christ  &  me,  as 
ravished  my  heart  w'.*^  unspeakable  ioye ;  methought  my  soule 
had  as  familiar  &  sensible  society  w^"^  him,  as  my  wife  could 
have  w**^  the  kindest  husbande  ;  I  desired  no  other  happinesse 
but  to  be  embraced  of  him  ;  I  held  nothinge  so  deere  that  I  was 
not  willinge  to  parte  w'^  for  him ;  I  forgatt  to  looke  after  my 
supper,  &  some  value  things  that  my  heart  Hngered  after  before  ; 
then  came  such  a  calme  of  comforte  over  my  heart,  as  revived 
my  spirits,  sett  my  minde  &  conscience  at  sweet  hberty  &  peace  : 
I  thought  upon  that  speeche  of  the  Churche,  Cant.  5.  2.  — It 

U 


106  •    LITE   AND  LETTERS 

is  the  voice  of  my  welbeloved  that  knockethe,  &c  :  O,  there's 
my  husband  (saies  the  lovinge  wife)  &c  :  then  she  runnes,  then 
she  ioyes,  out  of  the  armes  goes  the  childe,  awaye  goes  every 
impedim*,  she  hathe  enough  that  she  heares  his  voice,  whom 
hir  soule  loves  :  O  my  Lord  howe  did  my  soule  mealt  w*^  ioye 
when  thou  spakest  to  the  heart  of  thy  poore  unworthy  hand- 
mayd  !  —  ffurther  when  I  considered  of  suche  lettres  as  my  wife 
had  written  to  me,  &  observed  the  scriblinge  hande,  the  meane 
congruitye,  the  false  orthog;  &  broken  sentences,  etc:  &  yet 
founde  my  heart  *iot  onely  accep tinge  of  them  but  delighting  in 
them,  &  esteeminge  them  above  farre  more  curious  woorkman- 
ship  in  an  other,  &  all  from  hence,  that  I  loved  hir ;  It  made 
me  thinke  thus  w*'^  myselfe  :  Can  I  doe  thus  tlirough  that 
droppe  of  affection  that  is  in  me,  &c :  &  will  not  my  Lord  & 
husband  Ch  :  Jesus  (whose  love  surpassethe  knowledge,  &  is 
larger  than  the  ocean)  -accept  in  good  parte  the  poorest  testi- 
monies of  my  love  &  dutye  towards  him  ?  O  if  I  had  faithe 
to  believe  tliis,  how  abundant  comfort  would  it  afford  me  in  my 
weakest  services,  since  they  are  sent  up  to  him  that  lookes  not 
at  the  forme  or  phrase,  etc  :  but  findinge  them  to  come  from  one 
in  whom  he  delights,  he  accepts  w*?  all  favour  the  sincere  sim- 
plicity of  the  heart,  &  covers  all  imperfections  w*^  the  skirt  of 
liis  love.  O  my  God  increase  my  weake  faithe  I  humbly  pray 
thee. 

"This  affection  continued  still  w^  me,  &  the  love  of  Christ 
was  ever  in  my  heart,  &  drewe  me  to  be  more  enamoured  of 
him.  Then  I  ofte  remembred  that  in  Jer  :  2.  2.  I  remembred 
thee  w*'^  the  kindnesse  of  thy  youth,  &  the  love  of  thy  mariage, 
&c  :  w°^  made  me  to  recall  to  my  view  the  love  of  my  earthly 
manages,  w''.^  the  more  I  thought  upon,  the  more  sensible  I 
grewe  of  the  most  sweet  love  of  my  heavenly  husband,  Christ 
,  Jesus  ;  his  spirit  persuaded  my  heart,  that  if  I  could  so  entirely 
affecte  &  delight  in  suche  as  I  had  not  laboured  for  &c  :  onely 
for  this  consideration  that  they  were  to  become  a  parte  of  my 
selfe;   needs  must  his  love  towards  me  be  exceedinge  measure, 


OF  JOHN  WINTIIROP.  107 

that  had  made  me,  died  for  me,  sweatt  water  &  bloud  for  me, 
etc,  &  maricd  me  to  himselfe,  so  as  I  am  become  truely  one  w"* 
him  :  then  I  was  persuaded  that  neither  my  sinncs  nor  infirmi- 
ties could  putt  me  out  of  his  favour,  he  havinge  washed  awaye 
the  one  w"'  his  owne  bloud,  &  coveringe  the  other  w""  his  un- 
chano-eable  love  :  This  comfort  that  I  had  in  his  sweet  love 
drewe  me  to  deale  w"*  him  as  I  was  wont  to  doe  w*!^  my  earthly 
welboloved,  who  beinge  ever  in  the  eye  of  my  affection,  I 
greedily  imployed  everye  opportunitye  to  be  a  messinger  of  the 
manifestation  of  my  love,  by  lettres,  &c  :  so  did  I  now  w***  my 
deare  lord  Christ ;  I  delighted  to  meditate  of  liim,  to  praye 
to  him,  &  to  the  Father  in  liim  (for  all  was  one  w'^  me),  to 
remember  his  sweet  promises,  etc  :  for  I  was  well  assured  that 
he  tooke  all  that  I  did  in  good"  parte.  I  considered  that  he  was 
suche  an  one  as  shoidd  ever  be  livinge,  so  as  I  might  ever  love 
him,  &  allwayes  present,  so  as  there  should  be  no  griefe  at 
partinges  :  O  my  Lord,  my  love,  how  wholly  delectable  art 
thou  !  lett  him  kisse  me  w*^  the  kisses  of  his  mouthe,  for  his 
love  is  sweeter  than  wine  :  how  lovely  is  thy  countenance  !  how 
pleasant  are  thy  embracings  !  my  heart  leapes  w^'^in  me  for  ioye 
when  I  heare  the  voice  of  thee  my  Lord,  my  love,  when  thou 
sayest  to  my  soule,  thou  art  hir  salvation.  O  my  God,  my 
kinge,  what  am  I  but  dust !  a  worme,  a  rebeU,  &  thine  enemie 
was  I,  wallowinge  in  the  bloude  &  filthe  of  my  sinnes,  when 
thou  didest  cast  the  light  of  thy  Countenance  upon  me,  when 
thou  spreadest  over  me  the  lappe  of  thy  love,  &  sayedst  that  I 
should  live.  Then  didest  thou  washe  me  in  the  everflowinge 
fountaine  of  thy  bloud,  thou  didest  triine  me  as  a  bride  prepared 
for  hu-  husbande,  my  clothinge  was  thy  pm-e  righteousnesse, 
thou  spakest  kindlye  to  the  heart  of  thy  most  unworthy  ser- 
vant, &  my  fleshe  grewe  like  the  fleshe  of  a  young  childe,  etc  : 
And  now  lett  me  ever  be  w^^  thee,  O  my  Redeemer,  for  in  thy 
presence  is  ioye,  &  at  thy  right  hande  are  pleasures  forever-j^. 
more.  Shadowe  me,  &  guide  me  w*"^  thy  love,  as  in  the  days 
of  my  mariage,  that  I  may  never  swerve  from  thee  to  runne 
after   earthly   vanity es   that   are  lyeinge   &  will   not   profitt. 


108  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

Wliolye  thine  I  am  (my  sweet  Lo :  Jesus)  unworthy  (I 
acknowledge)  so  much  honor  as  to  wipe  the  dust  off  the  feet 
of  my  Lord  &  his  welbeloved  spouse,  in  the  day  of  the  glad- 
nesse  of  their  heart,  yet  wilt  thou  honor  me  w*^  the  societye  of 
thy  mariage  chamber.  Behould,  all  yee  beloved  of  the  Lord, 
knowe  &  embrace  w*^  ioye  tliis  unspeakable  love  of  his  towards 
you.      God  is  love,  assuredly. 

["I  doe  finde  by  experience  of  some  good  tyme,  that  a  spare 
diett,  &  abstinence  from  worldly  delights,  is  a  great  meanes  of 
keepinge  bothe  bodye  &  minde  fitt  &  lively  to  holye  duties ;  I 
was  wont,  when  I  supped  liberally,  that  I  was  sleepye  & 
unweeldye  in  my  familye  exercises,  &  no  we,  when  I  eate  but 
little  (&  that  ordinarily  but  bread  &  beere),  I  am  cheerful  & 
unweariable  in  them.]^ 

"  The  unspeakable  comfort  that  I  had  in  the  former  sweet 
coiiiunion  w**^  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ  filled  me  with  such  ioye, 
peace,  assurance,  boldnesse,  etc,  as  I  was  many  tymes  readye 
to  incline  into  the  other  extreme  of  lightnesse  &  securitye,  but 
God  gave  me  grace,  when  I  beganne  to  wax  wanton,  to  looke 
into  my  sinnes  &  corruptions,  &  by  the  consideration  of  them 
I  was  after  kept  under,  &c. 

"July  13.  Beinge  the  Sabaothe  daye,  findinge  some  tyme 
before  that  all  was  not  well  betweene  my  God  &  me,  w°^  I  per- 
ceived by  the  couldnesse  of  my  prayers,  &  the  unquietnesse  & 
tremblinge  of  my  conscience,  &  the  lightnesse  &  continuall 
wanderings  of  my  heart,  I  sighed  &  groned  oft^n,  prayinge 
earnestly  that  God  would  open  my  heart,  &  lett  me  see  what 
it  was    that   did  so  disturbe  my  peace,   &c.      I  often   set  to 


1  These  brackets  are  in  the  original.  Bread  and  beer  might  seem  to  us  nowadays 
rather  a  coarse  supper;  but  coffee  and  tea  were  unknown  in  England  at  that  day. 
"  The  first  cup  of  coffee  ever  drank  in  England"  is  said  to  have  been  drunk  at  Oxford 
in  the  year  1637 ;  and  the  introduction  of  tea  was  some  years  later.  —  Our  English 
Home:  Oxford,  1860,  pp.  189,  190. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  109 

examine  my  heart  but  could  not,  I  was  still  cariecl  aw  aye  w*** 
wanderinge  thoughts,  etc,  but  at  last  it  pleased  God  by  little 
&  little  to  affecte  my  heart,  &  to  bringe  me  to  the  sight  of  my 
selfe  ;  &  then  did  I  see  ae  evidently  as  the  sunne  when  it  shines, 
that  my  heart  was  withdrawne  from  my  God,  the  fleshe  had 
prevailed  ag"^*  the  spirit,  &  had  drawne  me  into  a  lukewarme 
religio,  servinge  God  &  yet  seekinge  greedily  the  ease  &  plea- 
sure of  my  wanton  &  idle  fleshe,  w*^?  had  made  me  cast  off  the 
life  of  every  dutye,  &  had  turned  all  zeale  into  a  counter- 
fait  discreation.  And  my  conscience  did  especially  accuse  me 
for  my  remissnesse  in  my  callinge  of  magistracie,  in  that  I  had 
not  been  painfull  in  the  findinge  out  &  zealous  in  the  punish- 
inge  of  sinne  ;  &  for  that  I  spent  my  dayes  so  idlely  &  unpro- 
fitablye,  givinge  too  muche  tyme  to  sleepe,  recreations,  &c. 
Thereupon  I  prayed  earnestly  unto  the  Lord  for  pardon,  &  for 
grace  to  hate  these  my  sinnes,  &  to  amende  them,  &  I  promised 
&  covenanted  w*''  the  Lord  to  be  more  zealous  &  diligent,  &  to 
walke  more  constantly  w*^  him,  and  I  desired  the  Lord  that 
when  so  ever  I  should  decline  from  this  Covenant,  that  I  might 
not  have  any  peace,  but  feele  his  anger  untill  I  were  returned 
againe. 

"After  this  I  was  as  one  weaned  from  his  mothers  breasts, 
my  comfort  &  peace  w*''  my  God  returned,  I  had  bouldnesse  & 
confidence  in  prayer,  then  againe  did  I  finde  that  the  only 
sweet  estate  was  to  walke  w*'^  God  &  be  upright :  &  the  only 
safe  estate  to  denye  my  selfe,  the  worlde,  &c,  &  to  holde  this 
idle  wanton  fleshe  unto  its  taske,  &  to  keepe  watche  unto 
sobrietye.  O  Lord  I  beseech  thee,  continue  this  in  the  purpose 
&  heart  of  thy  servant  forever  :  cause  me  to  look©  ever  to  thy 
service  &  glorye.  Thou  (I  am  assured)  wilt  looke  to  my  com- 
forte  :  whatsoever  thou  doest  w**^  me,  give  me  not  up  to  the 
vilde  slaverye  of  the  world  &  the  fleshe :  O  Lord  I  am  thy 
servant. 

"Remittinge  my  care  &  watche,  &  givinge  lib"^  to  the  fleshe, 


110  LITE    AND    LETTERS 

I  was  againe  unsettled,  &  then  my  conscience  could  swallowe 
foule  faults  w^'^out  any  great  remorse,  when  as  sometymes  it 
would  have  stucke  at  the  least  evill.  I  returned  to  my  selfe 
againe  &  renewed  my  repentance.  I  resolved  to  keepe  a  better 
watche,  &  to  holde  under  the  ileshe  by  temperate  diet,  &  dili- 
gence in  my  callinge,  for  I  founde  that  there  was  no  peace  in 
any  other  course.  All  pleasures  are  vanytye  in  the  use  &  vex- 
atio  in  the  ende,  &  the  fruit  of  idlenesse  is  shame  &  guiltinesse. 
It  wounded  my  heart  in  the  eveninge  when  I  looked  backe  & 
sawe  the  daye  misspent  in  the  service  of  the  worlde,  &  in  fullfill- 
inge  the  will  of  my  fleshe.  Disuse  in  any  good  thinge  causethe 
the  greatest  unwillingnesse  &  unfitnesse  ;  I  sawe  it  was  saufeste 
for  me  ever  to  be  well  doinge,  &  to  be  fully  resolved  of  Gods 
good  allowance  of  all  that  passeth  either  mouthe,  heart  or 
hande ;  faith  would  teache  me  to  looke  to  approve  my  selfe  to 
God  in  every  thinge,  &  so  to  goe  on,  according  to  the  occasion 
of  every  dutye,  &  leave  the  successe  to  God.  But  O  my 
unbeliefe  &  my  fearfullnesse  !  Lord  strengthen  my  faith,  & 
incourage  thou  me. 

"  Upon  this  last  resolution  I  setled  my  selfe  to  my  study,  & 
to  suche  duties  as  I  was  necessarily  occasioned  unto,  &  so  by 
Gods  assistance  I  kept  my  peace,  &c.,  meetly  well  for  all  that 
weeke  foUowinge  ;  for  I  was  ready  upon  every  occasion  to  starte 
aside,  yet  keepinge  a  carefull  watche  over  my  hearte,  I  quickly 
perceived  when  it  was  straglinge,  &  so  the  sooner  brought  it  in 
againe. 

"  I  plainly  perceive  that  M^hen  I  am  not  helde  under  by  some 
affliction,  either  outward  or  inwarde,  then  I  must  make  my 
fleshe  doe  its  full  taske  in  the  duties  of  my  caUinge,  or  suche 
other  service  wherein  it  takes  no  pleasure.  Otherwise  it  will 
waxe  wanton  &  idle,  &  then  findinge  sweetnesse  in  earthly 
thinges  it  will  growe  so  weary  of  Gods  yoake,  as  it  will  not  be 
jborne  any  longer,  except  the  fleshe  by  stronge  hande  be  brought 
under  againe. 

"Sometymes  my  faithe  hatha  been  so   deadhearted  in  the 


OF   JOHN   ^YINTHROP.  111 

promises  as  no  meanes  could  quicken  me  up  to  apprehende 
the  mercies  of  God,  although  but  in  the  ordinarye  sence  of  my 
sines.  At  an  other  tyme  againe,  God  hathe  lett  in  upon  my 
heart  suche  a  floud  of  mei'cie  as  in  the  quickest  sight  of  sinne 
that  ever  I  had  I  could  not  have  been  brought  to  make  question 
of  pardon.  And  upon  such  an  offer  I  have  first  layde  holde  of 
mercy e  &  forgivenesse,  &  after  turned  to  the  acknowledginge  & 
bewaylinge  of  my  sinnes  :  for  there  is  no  confession  so  franke 
as  that  w*^^  comes  from  the  sence  of  fi*ee  pardon. 

"  Order  &  observatio  makes  many  duties  easye  w''^  otherwise 
vs'ilbe  very  tedious  &  difficult. 

"  A  Trilde  colte  must  be  well  tamed  in  the  ploughe,  &  then 
a  childe  may  backe  liim ;  so  this  wanton  heart  of  o"  till  it  be 
well  tamed  w**^  afflictions,  or  suche  duties  in  of  callings  as  are 
not  pleasinge  nor  easy  to  the  fleshe,  there  is  no  rulinge  it ;  it 
will  neither  be  kept  to  prayer,  norhearinge,  nor  meditation,  etc  ; 
but  it  wall  flinge  out  20  wayes,  &  be  runninge  ag*  every  wall, 
&c  :  but  beinge  thoroughly  tempered  &  tamed,  &c,  it  will  goe 
on  quietly  &  soberly  in  any  dutye.  It  is  great  wisdome  for  a 
Christian  to  keepe  the  fleshe  ever  under  by  service  that  it  may 
be  sober,  for  if  it  gett  lib"®  there  is  no  rulinge  of  it :  An  unruly 
horse  will  more  weary  himselfe  in  one  miles  travaile  then  a 
sober  horse  in  10  :  so  it  is  when  we  goe  about  any  dutye  where 
of  hearts  looke  for  their  lib**®. 

"My  disposition  is  ever  fittest  upon  the  first  apprehension 
of  any  thinge  ;  If  It  once  hange  of  hande,  &  that  I  begine 
once  to  beat  my  head  about  it,  &  meet  w**^  any  rubbe  or 
discouragement,  I  cannot  for  my  life  proceed  to  make  any 
dispatche,  &c  ;  as  In  writlnge  of  lettres,  &c,  whilest  I  have 
some  tymes  been  over  carefull  &  studious  for  the  forme,  I  have 
cleane  lost  bothe  my  matter  &  Invention,  &  on  the  other  side 
when  I  have  gone  on  w*^  more  readinesse  &  lesse  cuiiositie, 
I  have  doone  farre  better  in  conclusion  bothe  for  matter  & 
forme. 


112  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

"I  have  observed  that  in  all  my  exercises  of  conscience, 
when  I  have  been  most  frighted  with  guHtinesse  of  sinne,  my 
carelessenesse  in  hearinge  Gods  worde  hathe  muche  more  trou- 
bled me  then  my  carelesse  &  could  prayer  ;  &  my  omissions  more 
then  my  commissions ;  &  the  omittinge  mercie  &  the  dutyes 
of  my  callinge  of  magistracie  more  then  all  thinges  besides. 

"I  finde  often  tymes  that  coininge  out  of  good  companie, 
I  am  sometymes  more  disquieted,  other  tymes  more  unsetled 
then  before  :  what  the  reason  should  be  I  knowe  not,  except 
that  beinge  taken  up  w*'^  too  muche  regard  of  their  persons, 
I  neglect  to  watche  well  over  my  heart ;  or  that  God  sends  it 
as  a  punishm*  upon  me,  for  not  makinge  that  good  use  of  such 
companye  as  I  ought ;  or  wliither  their  godlinesse  dothe  stirre 
up  &  checke  some  secret  evill  w*^in  me  that  disquiets  my 
minde. 

"  I  have  observed  that  after  a  gleame  of  any  speciall  ioye, 
whither  in  heavenly  tilings  or  in  earthly,  there  hathe  followed 
a  storme  of  dumpishnesse  &  discomfort,  that  hathe  abolished 
the  memorye  of  the  former  ioye ;  but  especially  when  I  have 
suffered  my  heart  to  take  too  much  ioye  in  any  earthly  thinge,  I 
have  been  sure  (for  the  most  parte)  in  the  turninge,  to  meet 
w*^  a  fitt  of  melancollike  discontent,  that  hathe  beene  farre 
more  burdensome  then  the  other  was  pleasinge ;  so  as  I  thinke 
it  good  wisdome  for  me  to  keepe  to  a  meane  in  my  loyes,  espe- 
cially in  worldly  things ;  moderate  comforts  being  constant  & 
sweeter,  or  saufer,  then  suche  as  beinge  exceedinge  in  measure 
faile  as  much  in  their  continuance ;  for  they  beinge  waysted 
by  passion,  are  resolved  into  payne,  even  as  the  bodye  is  most 
sensible  of  could,  when  it  hathe  beene  thoroughlyest  warmed 
by  the  heat  of  the  fire. 

"  My  heart  getting  loose  one  Sab  :  daye  throughe  want  of 
due  watchfullnesse  &  firme  resolutio,  it  gate  so  deepe  into  the 
world  as  I  could  not  get  it  free,  but  it  followed  me  to  Churche 


OF   JOim   WINTHROP.  113 

&  home  againe  ;  but  heer  was  not  all  the  hurt  of  it,  for  I  founde 
evidently,  that  this  suffcringe  my  heart  to  take  lib"®  to  the  pro- 
faning of  the  Sabaothe,  made  it  utterly  unfitt  for  dutye  all  the 
Aveek  foUoAvinge,  so  as  it  cost  me  muche  strife  &  heartsmart 
before  I  could  bringe  it  into  order  againe ;  therefore  I  purpose, 
by  Gods  grace,  to  kcepe  a  better  watche  over  my  heart  upon 
the  Sabaothe. 

"  The  onely  meancs  to  keepe  of  hearts  from  beinge  taken  up 
&  cumbered  w*^  the  thoughts  &  cares  of  worldly  things  is,  to 
gett  of  treasure  in  heaven,  for  where  of  treasure  is,  there  will 
our  hearts  be.     Luke :  12. 

"Novemb  :  1617.  I  went  to  London,  not  so  well  prepared 
for  suche  a  iournie  as  had  been  meet,  &,  it  was  a  monthe  before 
I  returned,  wherein  God  had  muche  mercie  upon  me,  preserv- 
inge  me  &  bringinge  me  home  in  safety ;  yet  my  soule  was 
waxed  leaner,  &  my  love  &  faithe  muche  decayed,  as  I  did 
suspecte  Avhile  I  was  gone,  yet  could  not  so  evydently  perceive 
as  when  I  came  to  settle  to  mine  ordinary  course  at  home. 
But  above  all  I  founde  my  faithe  to  be  very  muche  shaken,  w'^'^ 
was  throusfhe  want  of  carefull  nourishino-e  of  it  in  the  medita- 
tion  of  the  worde  of  God.  Oh  I  see,  if  we  leave,  or  slightly 
exercise  o^'selves  in  the  worde,  Faithe  will  starve  &  die,  &  oT 
hearts  imbrace  any  dotages  of  mans  braine  sooner  then  Gods 
eternall  truethe,  as  I  founde  by  dangerous  experience  :  O  Lord 
forgive  my  great  infidelytie  &  forgettfullnesse  of  thy  goodnesse, 
&  stabhshe  me  w*^  thy  truethe.  Oh  that  I  might  ever  have  a 
care  to  looke  to  my  Faithe  as  I  would  doe  to  my  life  ;  &  thanks 
be  to  the  Lord  that  dothe  not  forsake  me. 

"I  founde  this  experience  while  I  was  at  London,  that 
havinge  there  no  matters  to  distract  my  minde,  but  beinge 
free  from  my  ordinary  cares  &  temptations  w'^'^  I  Avas  wont  to 
meet  w*^  at  home ;  as  I  had  ease  &  leisure,  &  little  or  no  occa- 
sion of  sorrowe  through  my  faintings,  &c,  under  temptation,  w*^** 
I  was  wont  to  meet  w*^  at  home  ;  so  on  the  other  side  I  founde 
as  slender  comforte,  &>  fewe  or  noe  quicknings  or  stirrings  of  the 

14 


114  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

Spirit  in  me,  but  was  still  &  quiet,  w*out  any  great  sence  either 
of  guUt  or  peace  ;  whence  I  gather  that  he  w*'^  would  have  suer 
peace  &  ioye  in  Christianitye,  must  not  ay  me  at  a  condition 
retyred  from  the  world  &  free  from  temptations,  but  to  knowe 
that  the  life  w°^  is  most  exercised  w*'^  tryalls  &  temptations  is 
the  sweetest,  &  will  prove  the  safeste.  For  such  tryalls  as  fall 
w^'^in  comj)asse  of  oT  callinges,  it  is  better  to  arme  ^  vf^stande 
them  then  to  avoide  &  shunne  them.  I  founde  as  readye  & 
familiar  accesse  to  God  in  prayer,  singinge,  &c,  in  my  travaile, 
as  if  I  had  been  in  my  chamber,  &  it  is  an  excellent  meanes 
to  season  the  heart,  &  to  shorten  the  tediousnesse  of  the 
iournie. 

"  Still  I  finde  by  continuall  experience  that  the  usuallest 
thinge  that  turnes  me  out  of  my  course  &  breakes  off  my  peace 
w"*  my  God  is  the  imbracinge  the  love  of  earthly  thinges,  & 
seekinge  a  kind  of  secure  &  commodious  settlinge  in  these 
thinges  ;  w*^^  as  it  greatly  delights  the  wanton  fleshe,  so  it  as 
fast  quenchethe  all  delight  &  appetite  to  heavenly  thinges ;  it 
blinds  the  iudgement,  takes  awaye  all  affection,  &  duUes  all 
gifts  bothe  of  bodye  &  minde,  makinge  all  unservisable,  &c  : 
I  still  pray,  O  Lord,  crucifie  this  world  unto  me,  for  suerly  the 
love  of  thee  &  the  love  of  the  world  cahot  stand  togither. 

"I  have  founde  this  infallibly  true  by  ofte  experience  since, 
&  I  am  fully  resolved,  that  if  I  will  keepe  the  love  of  God,  I 
must  cast  quite  off  the  love  of  the  world. 

"  I  finde  it  a  most  difficult  thinge  to  use  constantly  the  prac- 
tice of  meditatio,  the  want  whereof  is  an  occasion  that  I  am 
ofte  unsettled,  for  suche  thoughts  &  considerations  as  doe  keepe 
the  heart  well  ordered  will  passe  &  vanishe  awaye  if  they  be 
not  revived  &  uphelde  by  meditatio.  O  my  God  helpe  & 
inable  me. 

"  I  was  wonte  to  be  muche  disquieted  w*^  feare  of  reproache 
&  of  an  ill  name  w**"  the  moste  where  I  lived,  so  as  I  have  been 
drawne  by  suche  foohsh  respects  to  doe  or  leave  undone  many 


OF   JOIIN   WINTHROP.  115 

tilings  to  the  woundinge  of  my  conscience  ;  especially  to  avoide 
a  suspition  of  ingratitude,  basenesse,  unfriendlynesse,  &c.  But 
the  Lord  openinge  my  heart  to  consider  of  the  vanytie  of  all 
suche  things,  as  that  they  are  trifles  of  no  continuance,  &  of 
leaste  benefite  (as  if  we  thinke  of  suche  as  we  knewe  that  are 
no  we  dead  &  gone,  who  whilst  they  lived  were  also  either  taken 
up  w"^  suche  vaineglorious  conceipts,  whereof  they  neither  had 
any  true  comforte  whilest  they  lived,  nor  being  dead  have 
retained  any  fruit,  or  left  any  memorye  of  them,)  I  see  it  is 
the  best  wisdome  for  a  Christian  to  labour  to  approve  himselfe 
to  God  in  keeping  faithe  &  a  good  conscience,  w'^.'^  wilbe  a 
readye  comfort  to  a  man  in  his  life,  &  will  bide  w*"^  him  after 
deathe,  &  to  sett  light  by  the  unprofitable  &  suer-fadinge  favour 
of  the  world,  w*^.^  a  Christian  man  may  as  well  be  w*'^out,  as  a 
gent,  may  spare  a  kennell  of  hounds,  &  w**^  w^?^,  he  that  will 
have  it,  shall  never  want  a  disquiett  minde.  I  will  saye  w*** 
Paul,  I  passe  not  for  mans  iudgment. 

"  Ob  :  A  good  name  is  to  be  sought  after  &c  :  Ans  :  Walke 
w"*  God,  &  never  feare  but  thou  shalt  be  honored  of  the 
Godly  e. 

"I  have  observed,  that  after  some  true  woorke  of  mercie,  I 
have  founde  speciall  operation  of  Gods  spiritt. 

"  O  what  a  diflference  there  is  betweene  the  reigne  of  the 
fleshe  &  of  the  spu-it ;  that  like  the  reigne  of  Aliaz  full  of 
troubles,  ftdl  of  shiffts,  &  helplesse ;  but  this  like  Solomons, 
plentifull,  peaceable,  &c,.  When  the  fleshe  hathe  prevailed  in 
me,  all  hathe  been  out  of  order,  fidl  of  blindnesse,  slouthe, 
vanytye  of  minde,  captivitye  to  sinne,  strangeness  towards  my 
God,  a  guiltie  heart  inclininge  to  rebellion,  no  comfort  in 
prayer,  no  delight  nor  savour  in  the  worde,  no  ioye  in  Christ, 
etc ;  sometymes  secure  in  carnall  ioyes,  &  on  the  suddaine  as 
uncomfortably  deiected ;  discontented  w'^  everythinge ;  still 
taken  up  w***  earthly  cares,  feares,  desii-es,  &c,  all  for  the 
belly e,  the  glorye,  &c,  (in  a  worde)  all  unhappie.  But  the 
spirit  renewinge  his  strengthe,  brought  a  newe  face  of  all 
things  w*  it,  &  was  to  the  whole  man  &  conversation,  as  the 


116  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

authoritye  of  Mordecay  to  the  afflicted  Jewes,  ioye  &  glad- 
nesse,  peace  w^^  God,  peace  w*  heart,  peace  w*''  aU  :  my  soule 
yieldinge  itselfe  to  God  in  the  acknowledgment  of  its  owne 
unworthy nesse,  could  yet  comfortably  repose  it  selfe  in  the 
merits  of  Christ ;  nowe  could  it  abhorre  &  tremble  at  the 
memorye  of  its  former  vanityes  &  ungodlinesse  :  nowe  could 
it  mealt  into  teares  &  sighes  to  remember  its  unkindnesse  & 
ingratitude ;  now  could  praye  w**^  confidence,  &  yet  in  feare 
&  reverence ;  nowe  Christ  onely  was  desired,  as  my  onely  por- 
tion, my  conversation  was  in  heaven,  &  God  was  my  refuge,^ 
whatsoever  occasio  was  offered  to  affright  me.  O  that  I  could 
ever  walk  in  the  spirit. 

"Ever  ag*  a  Communion,  the  neerer  it  grewe,  the  more 
would  Sathan  labour  to  unfitt  me  for  it,  seekinge  to  diminishe 
the  reverende  account  &  singular  benefite  of  it,  &  so  to  steale 
from  me  all  appetite  unto  it ;  &  w^'all  persuadinge  me  that  I 
was  sufficiently  prepared  unto  it,  when  (upon  better  considera- 
tion w'^^  God  in  mercie  hathe  brought  me  unto,  in  my  order  of 
p^'paring  my  familye)  I  have  founde  my  selfe  muche  wantinge, 
&  especially  in  desire  &  appetite  unto  it,  for  w*^^^  particular  I 
meane  to  examine  my  heart  better  heerafter  (by  Gods  grace) , 
Amen. 

"My  heart  beinge  againe  overtaken,  &  forward  in  the  thinges 
of  the  world,  as  pleasures,  ease,  eatinge  &  drinkinge  &c,  I  lost 
my  sweet  peace  w^''  my  God ;  the  more  my  heart  delighted  in 
&  Mngered  after  the  former  things,  the  more  unquietnesse  & 
anguishe  of  minde  grewe  upon  me  :  faine  I  would  haue  had  my 
peace  againe,  but  could  not  gett  my  heart  to  seeke  it  earnestly  ; 
amonge  other  things  I  looked  over  some  things  w*^*^  I  had  written 
heere  before,  concerninge  the  manifestatio  of  Christs  love  unto 
me,  my  ^unspeakable  ioye  therein,  &  the  advised  &  cheerful 
Covenants  that  thereupon  I  had  made,  for  walking  w**^  my  God 
in  faithe  &  holy  nesse,  deniall  of  the  world  &  myselfe  &c : 
when  I  considered  w*?all  how  I  had  broken  those  Covenants, 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  117 

how  unkindly  I  had  requited  my  good  God,  &c,  it  brake  my 
heart,  &  forced  me  to  an  humble  &  searious  submission,  in 
abundance  of  teares  ;  I  truely  &  cleerly  sawe  my  follye,  in  set- 
tinge  so  muche  by  this  vaine  world,  &  esteeminge  to  satisfie  the 
intemperate  desires  of  tliis  wanton  fleshe  ;  I  renewed  my  former 
Covenants  w^  my  God,  whom  I  beseech  (for  Ch :  sake)  to 
incourage  &  iuhable  me  to  performance. 

"  Jan  :  10,  1617.  Afterwards  findinge  myselfe  snared  by  the 
worlde,  I  could  not  be  at  rest  untill  by  readinge  Mr.  Boultons 
discourse  of  true  happinesse,  I  was  brought  to  a  more  thorough 
disco verye  of  my  sinfuU  heart  &  wayes,  &  thereupon  to  more 
sounde  repentance  &  resolution  of  reformation ;  when  againe 
upon  sounde  dehberation  beinge  free  from  all  passion,  or 
oppression  of  melancholic,  I  did  quietly,  cheerfully  &  absolutely 
resigne  up  myselfe  againe  unto  my  God,  covenantinge  to  walke 
faithfully  w^  him,  &  prayeing  fervently  yet  w*'^out  any  distem- 
per of  affection,  &c,  that  he  would  rather  take  me  out  of  the 
worlde  or  cast  me  into  any  affliction,  sicknesse,  povertye,  dis- 
grace, or  whatsoever,  so  himselfe  would  not  faile  me  in  them, 
then  to  give  me  up  to  the  slaverye  of  the  worlde,  to  mine  ould 
profane,  idle,  voluptuous,  &  foolishe  heart;  &  so  I  begge  still 
of  him  for  the  Lo  :  Jes  :  sake. 

"ffeb.  I  kept  on  my  course  but  yet  up  &  downe,  for  the 
fleshe  still  gathered  to  itselfe,  &  sought  its  owne  ease,  pleasure, 
glorye,  &c,  &  my  heart  grewe  towards  the  worlde  againe,  so 
as  the  sweet  relishe  &  estimation  of  Christ  &  salvation  was 
even  gone,  untill  God  againe  opened  mine  eyes  to  see  my  carnal 
affections,  my  slouthfulnesse,  vanitye  of  minde,  pride,  false- 
heartednesse,  infidehtye ;  no  love  to  him  in  Christ,  nor  love  to 
his  saintes ;  my  too  muche  account. &  estimation  of  the  worlde, 
too  busylye  Imployinge  my  thoughts  in  caringe  for  &  dehghtinge 
in  earthly  things  :  so  as  I  am  thoroughly  persuaded  that  the 
love  of  the  worlde  even  in  a  smale  measure,  will  coole,  if  not 
kill,  the  life  of  sinceritye  in  Rehgion,  &  will  abohshe  the  verye 


118  LITE   AND   LETTEKS 

memorje  of  heavenly  affections :  .0  Lord,  cruclfie  the  world 
unto  me,  that  though  I  cannot  avoyd  to  hve  amonge  the  baites  & 
snares  of  it,  yet  it  may  be  so  truely  dead  unto  me  &  I  unto  it, 
as  I  may  no  otherwise  love,  use,  or  dehght  in  any  the  most 
pleasant,  profitable,  &c,  earthly  comforts  of  this  life,  then  I  doe 
the  ayre  w°^  I  continually  drawe  in,  or  the  earthe  w'^'^  I  ever  tread 
upon,  or  the  skye  w'^'^  I  ever  behould.  O  why  should  I  doate 
^th  greater  affection  on  other  thinges  w*^*^  are  of  lesse  use? 

"  I  purpose  by  Gods  grace  to  meditate  more  often  upon  the 
certainty  &  exceUencye  of  my  everlastinge  happinesse  through 
Chi'ist,  &  of  the  vanity e  &  perill  of  all  worldly e  fehcitye.  This 
one  tillage  I  observe  w^'^all,  that  whilest  we  seeke  to  make  o"" 
earthly  habitations  comodious  for  the  ease,  quiet,  &  outward 
comfort  of  o!'  lives,  we  doe  but  provide  for  the  encrease  of  o"" 
sorrowe,  for  by  suche  meanes  we  doe  the  more  animate  &  arme 
the  fleshe  ag*  the  spirit,  so  as  it  will  cost  us  the  more  strife  to 
mortifie  it  &  holde  it  mider.  Lord  teach  me  wisdome  from 
hence. 

"  Upon  searche  of  my  heart,  &  the  sight  of  my  secret  sinnes 
&  corruptions  w°^  still  prevayled  against  me,  I  grewe  into  much 
feare,  discomfort,  &  heavynesse.  I  was  w^'^out  ioye  ;  in  God  I 
could  finde  none,  (I  seemed  so  unworthye)  ;  In  worldly  things 
I  durst  take  none  (althoughe  the  devill  did  make  me  contiauaU 
&  large  offers,)  but  resolved  w*  myselfe  rather  to  contiuue  in 
my  perplexed  estate  then  to  have  helpe  by  any  other  meanes 
then  from  the  Lorde ;  so  I  prayed  earnestly  &  gave  my  selfe  to 
waite  w*^  patience,  &  in  due  tyme  I  found,  accordinge  to  that 
of  the  Prophet  Esaye  30.  15.,  in  quietnesse  &  confidence  was  my 
strength. 

"  When  I  tave  enioyed  sweet  peace  w"^  my  God  then  I  have 
been  shye  of  the  smalest  occasions  of  offending  him,  &  have 
readylie  &  cheerfully  denyed  myne  owne  will,  delight,  content, 
&  credite,  &c ;  but  afterwardes  when  my  peace  was  gone,  &  I 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  119 

had  lost  my  lib"^  of  heart  &  coinunion  w*^  Christ,  then  I  fell  to 
them  againe,  &  althoughe  I  could  remember  that  I  had  formerly 
shumied  them,  &c,  yet  I  could  not  then  finde  what  it  should  be 
that  should  make  me  part  w^  things  •  of  so  great  necessitye  & 
use  as  then  I  esteemed  them  :  but  againe  so  soone  as  my  peace 
retiu-ncd  upon  any  renewinge  of  my  repentance,  &  that  the  love 
of  God  was  shedd  abroad  in  my  heart,  &c,  then  I  could  see 
cause  enoughe  to  make  me  willingly  to  contemne  greater  mat- 
ters :  For  suerly  there  is  no  treasure  like  a  good  conscience,  no 
pleasure  like  the  fellowshippe  w**^  Christ  Jesus,  no  ioye  on  earthe 
like  the  Coiiiunion  of  Saints  :  methought  it  was  a  happinesse 
uumatchable,  that  I  could  quietly  repose  my  heart  in  the  bedd 
of  Gods  promises ;  —  w°.^  I  never  could  doe  but  when  I  had 
fully  denyed  &  given  over  myselfe  imto  him,  &  still  as  I  sought 
myselfe  God  lefte  me. 

"  Havinge  been  longe  wearied  w*^  discontent  for  want  of  suche 
imployment  as  I  could  find  comfort  &  peace  in,  I  founde  at  last 
that  the  conscionable  &  constant  teachinge  of  my  familye  was  a 
speciall  businesse,  wherein  I  might  please  God,  &  greatly  fur- 
ther then'  &  mine  own  salvation,  w°^  might  be  as  sufficient 
incouragement  to  my  studye  &  labour  therein  as  if  I  were  to 
teache  a  publick  Congregation ;  for  as  to  the  pleasing  of  God 
it  was  all  one,  &  I  perceived  that  my  exercise  therein  did  sthre 
up  in  me  many  considerations  &  muche  life  of  affection,  w*^'* 
otherwise  I  should  not  so  often  meet  w^^ ;  so  as  I  purpose  by 
Gods  assistance,  to  take  it  as  a  chiefe  parte  of  my  callinge,  & 
to  intende  it  accordingly. 

"  God  by  his  great  mercie  brought  me  to  a  sight  of  my  sinnes, 
&  so  to  repentance,  never  (I  hope)  to  be  repented  of,  true  Ke- 
pentance,  sweet  thoughe  sharpe  repentance ;  O  most  happie,  & 
wholesome  Repentance,  more  welcome  to  me  then  all  earthly 
pleasures, — for  want  of  it  (it  havinge  been  longe  absent)  my 
poore  soide  was  allmost  famished ;  when  by  it  God  opened 
before  mine  eyes  the  state  of  my  soule,  O  what  a  jtbluted  con- 


120  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

science  found  I;  what  impure  affections,  what  unruly  desires, 
what  blindnesse  of  minde,  what  fearfull  hardnesse  of  heart,  w^'^ 
althouffhe  it  were  shaken  &  stirred  to  consideration  &  shsfht 
relentings,  sometymes  ofte  in  a  day  by  occasion  of  readinge,  or 
prayer,  &c,  yet  it  soone  shooke  off  all  suche  motions,  &  grewe 
more  stiff  necked  ag*  God,  untill  it  was  allmost  at  that  passe 
that  it  could  not  repente  :  But  when  it  pleased  God  to  have 
mercye  upon  me,  &  to  sett  my  wickednesse  upon  me,  I  thought 
then  suerly  he  would  be  doone  w*'^  me,  for  my  former  boldnesse 
in  sinninge  &  daliance  w*"^  the  breache  of  his  Coinandements  : 
but  I  founde  him  more  gracious  then  I  durst  conceive,  or  make 
use  of  for  the  present ;  my  former  rebellion,  ingratitude,  self 
love,  slouthe,  carnallitie,  tyme  servinge,  &c,  came  so  freshe 
before  me,  &  shewed  so  foul  &  odious  unto  me  :  Oh  that  not 
onely  my  eyes,  but  that  my  very  heart  could  melt  in  teares, 
that  I  might  mourne  night  &  daye  for  my  sinnes  ag*  my  good 
Father.  O  when  shall  I  be  ridde  of  the  burthen  of  this  sinful 
fleslie  !  Would  any  that  had  knowne  the  sweet  mercies  that  I 
had  received  from  him,  ever  have  beleeved  that  I  should  have 
turned  from  him,  to  goe  roaminge  after  worldly  pleasures? 
Could  I  so  soone  forgett  the  pleasures,  etc,  w*^^  his  presence 
was  wont  to  afforde  me,  as  I  had  learned  out  of  Psal :  16.  cS; 
36.  &  prov  :  3. 

"  Amongst  other  sinnes  w*'^  I  founde  in  my  selfe,  I  sawe  my 
great  unbeleefe  was  one  of  the  chelfest,  for  I  had  not  nourished 
my  faithe  in  Christ  &'in  his  worde,  but  had  given  waye  to 
doubtinge  &  distrust  so  farre,  as  I  had  neere  lost  the  use  of 
Gods  worde,  w*^^  althoughe  I  continued  to  read  dailye,  yet  my 
faithe  was  so  weakned  through  difficulties  &  delayes,  as  I  had 
lefbe  off  to  live  by  faithe  in  the  worde  :  &  so  for  want  of  faithe 
my  prayers  failed,  my  meditations,  readinge,  &  all  grewe 
teadious  &  unprofitable,  I  had  no  heart  to  any  Christian  dutye, 
I  thoughte  all  was  in  vaine.  Heerupon  I  prayed  earnestly  & 
mourningly  to  have  my  faithe  strengthened,  &  God  soone 
heard  me  &  by  occasion  in  my  familye  exercises,  I  fealt  my 


OF  JOIIN  WINTHROP.  121 

faithe  beginne  to  revive  as  a  man  out  of  a  dreame.  I  acknow- 
ledged the  infallible  truthe  &  certainty  of  Gods  most  pure  & 
perfecte  Avorde  ;  my  heart  leaped  w"'in  me  when  I  considered  it, 
I  embraced  it,  I  cast  my  selfe  in  lo  it :  as  fast  as  temptations 
came  either  to  feare,  doubt,  of  difficidtie  or  danger,  &c,  the 
very  first  thought  of  Gods  worde,  Gods  trueth,  did  easyly  dis- 
pell them ;  &  whereas  before  all  my  care  was  to  gather  peace 
to  my  heart  from  the  smalness»  of  my  infirmities  &c,  no  we  my 
comforte  was  in  bringinge  them  (smale  or  great)  unto  the  bloud 
of  Chi'ist,  &  by  applyinge  the  promise  I  founde  ho  we  the  crim- 
son sinnes  might  be  made  wliite  as  well  as  the  palest-coloured. 
Gods  trueth  caried  all  before  it :  I  founde  my  heart,  upon  this 
meditation,  wdlinge  to  sett  upon  any  dutye,  wliilest  I  behelde 
my  w^arrant  in  Gods  book  :  &  whereas  sometymes  many  things 
did  discoiu-age  me  from  dutye,  as  the  iudgm*  of  the  greatest 
parte,  the  unlikehmesse  of  successe,  the  evill  acceptation  of 
others,  the  feare  of  losse,  disgrace,  health,  &c,  now  I  remem- 
bred  what  Christ  sayed,  'Woe  to  the  world  because  of  offences, 
&  blessed  are  they  that  shall  not  be  offended  in  me  : '  I  per- 
ceived that  these  &  suche  like  rubbes  to  of  faithe  were  the 
offences  that  Christ  dothe  partlye  meane  there,  &  I  see  that 
they  that  will  take  offence  from  the  opinion  of  others,  their 
owne  corrupt  reason,  comon  experience,  &c,  shall  never  enioye 
the  comforte  of  livinge  by  faithe,  for  the  Childe  of  God  must 
breake  throughe  all  these  &  saye  w*^  Paul,  Rom  :  Let 

God  be  true  &,  every  man  a  liar.  O  Lord  I  have  sinned  in 
that  I  have  not  beleeved  thy  worde  that  I  might  sanctifie  thy 
name  before  thy  people,  but  by  thy  grace  I  shall  not  dare  heer- 
after  once  to  doubt  of  thy  holy  &  etemall  truethe :  Let  it  be 
sufficient  encouragem*  &  warrant  to  me  in  any  thinge,  that  it  is 
thy  Coinandm*,  thy  promise  &c. 

"  Resist  the  Devill  &  he  wUl  flee  from  you  :  this  have  I  found 
true  by  ofte  experience,  for  whereas  upon  the  Sabbaothe  &  in 
hearinge  of  the  worde  &c,  my  heart  would  be  most  pestered 
w*^  worldly  thoughts,  &c,  so  as  I  should  have  stronge  desires 

16 


122  LITE   AND  LETTERS 

to  be  thinkinge  of  some  suche  things  at  those  tymes,  w*^^  at 
other  tymes  I  should  not  regarde ;  &  from  these  snares  I  could 
not  free  myselfe,  until  it  pleased  the  Lord,  in  prayer,  to  disco- 
ver unto  me  that  it  was  Satan  that  did  thus  foUowe  me  w*'^  his 
assaults ;  whereupon  I  sett  myselfe  ag*  him  by  applyinge  such 
places  of  scripture,  as  did  best  oppose  his  temptations  :  &  thus 
doeinge,  I  have  ofte  tymes  had  my  heart  set  at  lib^^®  from  suche 
worldly  thoughts  &  other  his  snares  :  The  Lorde  be  praysed 
forever." 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  123 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THIRD  MARRIAGE.     THE  TYNDAL  FAMILY.     LETTERS  OF  WINTHROP 

AJSfD  OTHERS. 

In  the  year  1618,  John  Winthrop  was  once  more  esta- 
bhshed  in  domestic  life.  His  third  wife  was  Margaret 
Tyndal,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Tyndal,  knight,  of  Great 
Maplested,  in  the  county  of  Essex.  This  has  been 
correctly  supposed  to  be  the  same  Sir  John  Tyndal  who 
had  been  assassinated  two  years  before  by  a  man  named 
Bertram,  on  account  of  a  decision,  involving  only  the 
trifling  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  in  a  case  which  had 
been  referred  to  Sir  John  as  a  Master  in  Chancery, 
Bertram,  it  seems,  shot  him  in  the  back  just  as  he  was 
entermg  his  chamber  in  Lincoln's  Inn,  and  then  hung 
himself  in  prison  before  he  could  be  brought  to  trial. 
Lord  Bacon,  then  Sir  Francis  Bacon,  and  Attorney-Gene- 
ral of  the  Crown,  exammed  the  case  soon  afterwards ; 
and  wrote  as  follows  to  the  favorite,  ViUiers,  afterwards 
Duke  of  Buckingham :  — 

"I  send,  therefore,  the  case  of  Bertram,  truly  stated  and 
collected,  and  the  examination  taken  before  myself  and  Mr. 
Solicitor :  whereby  it  will  appear  to  his  majesty,  that  Sir  John 
Tyndal,  as  to  his  cause,  is  a  kind  of  martyr ;  for,  if  ever  he 
made  a  just  report  in  his  life,  this  was  it."  ^ 

1  Bacon's  Works,  London,  1824,  vol.  v.  p.  452. 


124  LIFE   AND   LETTEKS 

A  few  days  afterwards.  Bacon  wrote  to  the  king  him- 
self, as  follows :  — 

"For  this  wretched  murderer,  Bertram,  now  gone  to  his 
place,  I  have,  perceiving  your  majesty's  good  liking  of  what  I 
propounded,  taken  order  that  there  shall  be  a  declaration  con- 
cerning the  cause  in  the  King's  Bench,  by  occasion  of  punish- 
ment of  his  keeper ;  and  another  in  Chancery,  upon  the  occa- 
sion of  moving  for  an  order,  according  to  his  just  and  righteous 
report.  And  yet,  withal,  I  have  set  on  work  a  good  pen,  and 
myself  will  overlook  it,  for  making  some  little  pamphlet  fit  to 
fly  abroad  in  the  country."  ^ 

We  know  not  whether  this  "  little  pamphlet "  is  still 
in  existence ;  but  here  is  an  original  letter,  which  is 
quite  too  interestmg  to  be  omitted  in  this  connection, 
and  which,  being  found  among  the  family  papers, 
removes  all  doubt  that  the  murdered  Master  in  Chan- 
cery, in  regard  to  whose  fate  Bacon  and  his  royal  master 
took  so  hvely  an  interest,  was  the  father  of  Winthrop's 
wife.  It  is  a  letter  from  her  own  brother,  Arthur 
Tyndal,  then  a  lawyer  of  Lincoln's  Inn,  to  their 
widowed  mother,  immediately  after  the  occurrence. 

Arthur  Tyndal  to  his  Mother. 
"  To  the  right  wor"  the  Lady  Tyndale  at  her  house  in  Much  Maplested 

in  Essex. 
"  My  deare"&  LOVEEsroE  Mother,  —  It  much  refresheth  my 
sorrowfull  heart  to  understand  &  see  the  true  effects  of  Chris- 
tianity and  of  Gods  holy  Spirit  in  you,  which  are  with  patience 
and  with  a  most  humble  humiliacon  to  the  Almighty  to  beare 
these  more  then  ordinarie  afflictions  and  to  waite  and  expect  his 
mighty  delivrances.  He  is  all  sufficient  and  wise,  and  as  he 
hath  humbled  us  to  the  dust  so  he  can  and  will  exalt  us  againe, 

1  Bacon's  Works,  London,  1824,  vol.  vi.  p.  134. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  125 

if  vre  give  glory  unto  liis  name  in  these  bitter  tjmes  of  try  all. 

He    hatli   wrouglit    wounderously    alreadie    in    stoppeing    the 

mouthes  of  malicious  &  naughtie  people.     For  the  vilcle  wretch 

that  had  pretended  a  wronge  donne  to  him  by  my  father  & 

laboring  to  maintaine  it,  God  not  sufFeringe  the  blood  of  his 

saints  to  lye  too  longe  unrevenged  delivered  this  caitiffe  over  to 

Sathan,  who  on  the  last  Sabboth  in  the  forenoone  hanged  him- 

selfe  in  prison,  in  a  most  marveilous  sort  dispairinge  of  Gods 

mercie.      All  tlie  grave  examiners  of  that  busines  proclame 

my  fathers  integritie,  and  say  if  it  had  been  theire  case  they 

must  have  been  subject  to  the  pistol  too,  for  they  would  have 

donne  as  he  did.      Thus  it  hath  pleased  God  to  justifie  my 

father,  &  every  day  more  &  more  his  upprightnes  will  appeare. 

Good  mother,  comfort  your  selfe  in  the  Lord ;  he  will  againe  if 

we  make  right  use  of  this,  restore  us  againe  to  comfort,  so  that 

we  repine  not,  but  with  [y]earninge  affections  of  soule  &  body 

love  him  &  magnifye  him  in  all  these  his  woundrous  workes. 

I  have    acquainte  my  uncle   ffrancis   with  your  letter    [who] 

offerethe  still  mercie  unto  us,  &  we  are  concluded  of  a  course 

for  th'administracon  with  which  my  brother  Deane  will  thorowlie 

acquainte  you.      The  taylor  cannot  this  weeke  dispatch  your 

blacks,  but  the  ribbyns  and  those  trifells  I  send  downe,  &  the 

gownes  shall  come  the  next  weeke  or  at  such  tyme  as  Betts 

shall  retorne  with  his  coache.     I  pray  remember  my  duty  to 

my  good  uncle  your  comforter  &  to  all  with  you  &  at  Dynes,  & 

to  motion  the  buyinge  of  the  reversion  of  the  lease  land  to  Sir 

John   Deane.       I   pray   the    Lord   to  be  all   our  comforters. 

Amen.  "Your  most  dutifidl  Sonne 

"  Arth  :  Tyndale. 
"Lyncoia-es  Inn  22'"  of  No:  1616." 

Morant's  "  History  of  Essex  County "  contains  an 
elaborate  pedigree  of  the  Tyndal  Family,  running  it 
back  to  the  time  of  Edward  I.,  and  connecting  it  with 
more  than  one  of  the  crowned  heads  of  Europe ;  and 
Nichols,  in  his  "  Historical  Anecdotes  of  the  Eighteenth 


126  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

Century,"  states  that  Sir  John  Tyndal,  the  great-grand- 
father of  Margaret  Winthrop,  and  afterwards  his  son 
Humphrey  Tyndal,  D.D.,  were  actually  waited  upon  to 
a,^sume  the  crown  of  Bohemia,  as  among  its  rightful 
heirs. -^ 

It  Vould  have  been  more  in  keeping  with  the  charac- 
ter of  ^argaret,  as  we  shall  see  it  developed  hereafter, 
if  her  lineage  could  have  been  traced  distinctly  back  to 
the  famous  reformer,  and  translator  of  the  Bible,  Wil- 
liam Tyndal,  of  ever-honored  memory  ;  and  an  old 
family  pedigree  does  actually  so  trace  it.  In  the  more 
authentic  pedigrees  of  the  Tyndals,  however,  the  name 
of  the  translator  of  the  Bible  is  placed  in  the  margin, 
as  one  who  would  gladly  have  been  included,  and  who 
was  probably  a  collateral  relation,  but  as  not  being  in 
the  same  line  of  descent  with  Margaret's  father.  Sir 
John.  It  is,  however,  more  relevant  to  the  family 
history  to  notice,  that  the  wife  of  Sir  John  was  Anne 
Egerton,  widow  of  William  Deane,  Esq.  ;  from  whom 
the  name  of  Deane  soon  afterwards  found  its  way  into 
the  Winthrop  Family. 

And  here  we  are  able  to  furnish  a  curious  specimen 
of  the  courtship  of  the  old  Puritan  time,  in  the  shape  of 
three  original  letters  to  Margaret  T)Tidal  on  her  engage- 
ment and  approaching  marriage.  One  of  them  is  from 
Winthrop's  father,  welcoming  her  as  his  future  daughter. 

1  Nichols's  Hist.  Anec,  vol.  ix.  p.  304.  Morant  says,  "  Dr.  T.  Fuller  (Hist,  of  Camb., 
p.  81)  relates  an  improbable  tradition  concerning  Humphrey  Tyndal:  viz.,  that,  in  the 
reign  of  Q.  Elizabeth,  he  was  proffered  by  a  Protestant  party  in  Bohemia  to  be  made 
King  thereof;  which  he  refused,  alledging.  That  he  had  rather  be  Queen  Elizabeth's 
subject  than  a  Foreign  Prince." — Hist,  of  JEssex,  vol.  ii.  p.  280. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  127 

It  is  written  in  his  largest  and  most  careful  hand,  and 
evidently  with  a  pen  made  or  mended  for  the  piu'pose. 
It  is  as  follows :  — 

Adam  Winthroj)  to  Margaret  Tijndal. 

"I  am,  I  assure  you,  (Gentle  Mistress  Margaret)  alredy 
inflamed  w*^  a  fatherly  Love  and  aflfection  towardes  you :  the 
w^*^  at  the  first,  the  only  report  of  your  modest  behaviour,  and 
mielde  nature,  did  breede  in  my  heart;  but  nowe  throughe  the 
manifest  tokens  of  your  true  love,  &  constant  minde,  w*''^  I 
perceyve  to  be  setteled  in  you  towardes  my  soonne,  the  same  is 
exceedingly  increased  in  mee.  So  that  I  cannot  abstaine  from 
expressinge  it  unto  you  by  my  pen  in  absence,  w'^^  my  tounge 
and  mouthe  I  hope  shal  shortely  declare  unto  you  in  presence. 
And  then  I  doute  not,  but  I  shal  have  just  cause  to  prayse  God 
for  you,  and  to  thincke  my  selfe  happy,  that  in  my  olde  age  I 
shal  injoye  the  familiar  company  of  so  virtuous  and  loving  a 
daughter  ;  and  passe  the  residue  of  my  daies  in  peace  and  quiet- 
nes.  For  I  have  hetherto  had  greate  cause  to  magnifie  his 
holy  name  for  his  loving  kindenes  &  mercy  shewed  unto  mee  in 
my  children,  and  in  those  to  whom  they  have  been  maried ; 
that  bothe  I  have  ahvaies  deerly  loved  and  affected  them,  and 
they  also  most  lovinglye  and  dutifully  have  used  mee.  And 
therefore  I  assure  you  (good  IVIistress  Margaret)  that  whatso- 
ever love  and  kindenes  you  shal  vouchsafe  to  shewe  heereafter 
unto  mee,  I  wil  not  only  requite  it  w***  the  like,  but  also  to  the 
utter  most  of  my  power  redouble  the  same.  And  for  that  I 
woulde  fayne  make  it  a  little  parte  of  your  fayth  to  beleeve, 
that  you  shal  be  happy e  in  matchinge  w**^  my  soonne,  I  doe 
heere  faithfully  promise  for  him  (in  the  presence  of  almighty 
God,)  that  he  will  alwaies  be  a  most  kinde  and  lovinge  hus- 
bande  unto  you,  and  a  provident  stuarde  for  you  and  yours 
during  his  lyfe,  and  also  after  his  deathe.  Thus  w*'^  my  harty 
comendacions  to  your  selfe,  and  to  the  good  Lady  your  deere 
mother,  confirminge  my  true  Love  and  promise  unto  you,  by  a 
token  of  a  smale  value,  but  of  a  pure  substance,  w'^''  I  sende 


128  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

you  by  this  trusty  bearer,  I  doe  leave  you  to  y*  protection  of 
the  most  mighty  Trinity e.  this  last  of  Marche  1618.  Your 
assured  frendp  "Adam  Winthrop." 

The  two  other  letters  are  from  "Winthrop  himself, 
written  in  his  most  characteristic  veia,  and  full  of  those 
earnest  expressions  of  affection  and  of  piety  in.  which  he 
ever  delighted  to  mdulge.  The  first  of  them,  it  vdll  be 
observed,  has  relation  to  some  objections  which  Mar- 
garet's fanuly  and  friends  had  made  to  the  match,  and 
which  she  herself  seems  to  have  resolutely  resisted.  The 
precise  nature  of  "  the  unequall  conflicte  "  is  not  stated. 
It  would  not  be  surprising,  however,  that  Margaret's 
brothers  and  sisters  should  have  raised  some  question  in 
regard  to  her  becoming  the  thhd  wife  of  a  man  who  was 
as  yet  without  any  considerable  fortune  or  fame,  and  who 
had  four  young  cliildren  to  be  taken  care  of.  Winthrop, 
it  seems,  was  able  to  assm^e  her  that  she  could  rely  on  a 
maintenance  of  eighty  pounds  a  year;  which  would  be 
equivalent  to  at  least  four  hundred  pounds  in  these  days. 
But  religious  considerations  evidently  turned  the  scale. 
Margaret  and  her  mother  clearly  sympathized  with  Win- 
throp's  earnest  religious  convictions,  and  would  not  listen 
to  the  more  worldly,  or  certainly  more  prudent,  views  of 
others  of  the  family.  But  the  letter  will  explain 
itself:  — 

John  Winthrop  to  Margaret  Tyndal. 

"  To  my  dearest  freind  &  most  heartyly  beloved  M"  Marg*  Tyndall. 

"  Havinge  seariously  considered  of  that  unequall  conflicte  w^*^ 

for  my  sake  thou  didst  lately  sustaine,  &  wherein  yet,  (although 

the  odds  were  great),  God  beinge  on  thy  side,  thou  gatest  the 

victorye,  I  have  had  from  hence  a  large  provocatio  to  acknow- 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  129 

ledge  Gods  providence  &  speciall  favour  towards  nie,  &  to  give 
him  thankes  for  so  great  experience  as  hathe  been  offred  me 
heerby  of  thy  godhnesse,  hn-e,  wisdome,  &  inviolable  constancie  ; 
—  w*^'^  as  in  itselfe  it  deserves  all  approbatio,  so  in  me  it  is  of 
suche  vertue  as  the  more  I  thinke  of  it,  the  more  it  drawes  & 
knitts  my  heart  unto  thee,  and  hathe  setled  that  estimatio  of  thy 
love  therein,  as  (I  am  truely  persuaded)  nothinge  but  deathe 
shall  abolishe  or  diminishe  it.  Such  an  invincible  resolutio  could 
not  have  been  founde  in  a  poore  fraile  woman,  had  not  thine 
armes  been  strengthned  by  the  mightie  God  of  Jacob.  He  it 
was  w*^'^  gave  an  other  spirit  to  thyselfe  &  that  good  Lady  thy 
mother,  w"^  Caleb  &  Josuah,  constantly  to  folio  we  the  Lord 
against  all  the  discouragements  of  the  greater  parte, — yea  when 
my  selfe,  too  cowardly  &  unkindly  ioyned  armes  w"^  thine  op- 
posers  against  thee  :  But  nowe  doe  I  knowe  that'  thou  lovest  me, 
&  heerby  we  may  bothe  be  fully  assured  that  this  thinge  comethe . 
of  the  Lorde  :  Therefore  it  is  my  desire  to  confirme  thy  heart  in 
this  resolutio ;  not  that  I  feare  any  change  (farre  be  suche  a 
thought  from  me)  but  for  that  I  wishe  thee  a  large  additio  of 
comfort  to  thy  constancie,  w^**  may  molifie  &  heale  up  the  scarres 
of  such  wounds  as  may  yet  remaine  of  thy  late  conflicte.  And 
now  I  will  take  lib"®  to  deale  freely  w*^  thee  since  there  is  no 
need  of  persuasio,  nor  any  feare  of  suspitio  of  flaterye  ;  &  let  me 
tell  thee  that  as  thou  hast  doone  worthyly  &  Christianly,  so  thou 
hast  doone  no  otherwise  than  became  thee  being  one  professinge 
to  feare  God  &  beleeve  in  him  :  for  (what  so  ever  I  am  or  may 
be,  yet)  beinge,  in  thy  accompt,  a  servant  of  God  &  one  that 
thou  mightest  well  hope  to  be  furthered  to  heaven  by  (Amen  I 
say) ,  &  beinge  offred  unto  thee  by  God,  &  thy  selfe  beinge  as 
warrantably  called  to  embrace  the  opportunitye  as  a  woman 
might  be,  I  see  not  how  thou  couldst  have  had  peace  to  thine 
owne  heart  if  thou  hadst  refused  it ;  but  thou  mightest  iustly 
have  feared  least,  for  w^'^drawinge  thy  heart  from  God  &  lean- 
inge  to  thine  owne  reason,  he  should  have  given  thee  over  to 
some  suche  matche  as  should  have  proved  a  plauge  to  thy  soule 
all  thy  dayes  :   Let  worldly  minds  that  savour  not  the  things  of 

17 


130  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

God,  &  that  indeed  have  no  parte  or  portion  in  the  least  of  Gods 
promises,  bende  all  their  care  &  studye  to  secure  themselves  of 
an  earthly  happinesse  ;  let  them  make  sure  of  great  portions  w*'' 
their  wives  &  large  loyntures  from  their  husbands  ;  they  doe  but 
their  kinde,  &  I  confesse  it  concernes  them  very  muche  to  looke 
especially  to  suche  things,  for  there  is  nothing  else  w'^'^  they  can 
have  comfort  or  happinesse  in,  havinge  no  parte  in  Christ  &  beinge 
strangers  from  the  covenant  of  grace  ;  &  therefore  if  they  should 
be  barred  of  their  great  hopes  in  these  outward  things,  their 
God,  their  heaven,  their  ioye  &  all,  were  gone,  their  heart  Avould 
dye  w^'^in  them  like  Naball :  Therefore  God  letts  suche  many 
tymes  catche  what  they  can  scramble  for,  he  fills  their  bellies 
w*^  his  hidd  treasure,  they  live  in  ease  &  pleasure,  they  nourishe 
their  hearts  as  in  a  daye  of  slaughter,  but  he  sends  leannesse 
into  their  soules,  &  in  the  ende  when  they  are  called  to  a  recon- 
inge,  what  fruit  can  they  shewe  forthe  of  .all  their  labour,  care, 
etc.,  but  vanity e  &  vexatio  of  spirit?  And  so  they  dye  under 
a  secure,  or  tormented  conscience,  w'^'^  folio wes  them  to  their 
owne  place.  But  you,  whom  God  hathe  ordayned  to  a  better 
ende,  he  lookes  you  should  be  guided  by  an  other  rule  ;  he  telles 
you  that  you  are  a  pilgrime  &  stranger  in  this  life,  that  you 
have  no  abidinge  cytye  heei'e  but  must  looke  for  one  to  come  : 
He  w^^  is  your  Kinge  telles  you  that  his  kingdome  is  not  of  this 
world,  if  you  desire  to  reigne  w*'^  him  in  his  kingdome  you  must 
be  content  to  be  an  underlinge  w**^  him  in  the  world's  kingdome, 
&  must  looke  for  aflflictio  heere,  for  the  servant  must  not  looke 
to  be  above  the  master  :  He  telles  you  that  the  first  worke  in 
his  service  is  to  denye  y"*"  selfe  ;  he  bidds  you  never  to  cheapen 
about  the  pearle  except  you  be  resolved  to  sell  all  for  it,  &  never 
to  thinke  to  gett  him  &  his  love  except  you  can  be  content  for 
his  sake  to  leave,  yea  to  hate  father,  mother,  friends,  goods,  & 
yo""  owne  life  :  for  he  telles  you  plainly  that  you  can  not  serve 
2  masters  ;  so  as  if  you  love  the  world,  the  love  of  the  Father 
cafiot  be  in  you  :  If  you  would  knowe  of  him,  who  are  the 
blessed,  looke  at  that  5  of  Math  :  &  amongst  all  those  8  beati- 
tudes you  shall  finde  never  a  worde  of  riches,  or  honor,  or  ease, 


OF   JOHN  WLNTHROP.  131 

etc.,  but  when  the  scripture  speakes  of  suclie  things  it  setts  a 
caveat  upon  them,  as  temptations,  snares,  riches  of  iniquitye,  the 
choakes  of  the  hopes  of  salvatio,  branded  w***  these  2  speciall 
observations  by  Christ  &  his  Apostles  — '  But  the  cares  of  the 
world  &  the  deceitfulnesse  of  Riches  &  the  Lusts  of  other  thinges 
enter  in  &  choake  the  worde,  &c  : '  And  Sv'^^  while  some  have 
lusted  after,  they  have  erred  from  the  faithe  &  ha^e  pierced 
themselves  through  w***  many  sorrowes.'  —  And  tell  me  then 
what  it  will  profite  a  man  to  winne  the  worlde  &  to  loose  his 
soule  ?  It  is  the  dearest  purchase  that  must  cost  a  man  the  losse 
of  his  soule.  Who  would  take  Demas  his  bargaine  ?  And  yet  (no 
doubt)  he  was  of  the  opinio  that  our  comon  protestants  are  of 
in  these  dayes  (who  in  the  dej)the  of  their  devise  wilbe  vnser 
than  Christ  &  his  Apostles,)  he  thought  he  had  founde  an  easyer 
waye  to  heaven  then  other  men,  he  thought  to  save  his  soule  & 
yet  keepe  &,  love  the  world  too  :  But  he  was  deceived,  &  so 
shall  they  also,  for  the  mouthe  of  the  Lord  hathe  spoken  it ;  let 
them  please  themselves  never  so  muche  w*^  their  owne  conceits 
in  the  meane  tyme.  Nowe  for  thee,  I  dare  bouldly  saye  to  thee 
that  thou  hast  doone  wisely  in  seekinge  first  the  kingdome  of 
heaven,  &  making  sure  for  the  better  parte  w^^  shall  not  be 
taken  from  thee  :  for  if  it  be  a  Rule  of  policie  amongst  the  men 
of  this  world,  to  adventure  upon  the  least  hope  of  vertue  in 
suche  matches  where  there  is  assurance  of  a  great  portion,  so  as 
dayly  examples  of  the  contrarye  ill  event  cannot  drive  such  par- 
tyes  from  that  grounde  :  how  muche  more  commendable  is  it  in 
thee  (&  woorthy  of  thy  profession,  w^^  esteemes  Godlinesse  as 
the  greatest  gaine)  when  havinge  mett  w**^  (at  least  in  thy  per- 
suasion) sufficient  assurance  of  holynesse,  thou  canst  be  content 
to  conceive  hope  of  outward  happinesse  even  from  doubtful! 
conditions  :  And  heerin  thou  canst  Avant  no  incouragement  for 
hope  of  good  successe,  amongst  so  many  promises  &  examples 
as  make  for  thy  cause  :  Looke  upon  the  blessinge  of  Salomons 
choyse ;  he  sought  onely  wisdome,  &,  God  added  all  outward 
prosperitye  :  Consider  Ruthes  choyse,  Avho  for  the  love  of  the 
God  of  Israeli  forsooke  hir  owne  countrye  &  friends  to  partake 


132  LIFE    AND   LETTEKS 

w***  the  povertye  of  a  desolate  widowe  :  but  how  did  God  recom- 
pense her  in  the  ende?  You  may  see  the  like  in  Moses,  who  if 
he  had  had  the  counsell  of  the  wisdome  of  our  tymes  might 
have  looked  to  have  kept  his  greatnesse  in  the  Court,  &  yet  not 
have  hindred  his  salvatio,  nor  wanted  Gods  favour.  I  need 
instance  no  more,  for  the  Scriptures  &  our  owne  tymes  afforde 
many  examples,  w*^^  all  consent  in  this,  to  persuade  suche  as 
beleeve  God  &  have  their  treasure  in  heaven,  to  make  sure  for 
salvatio,  &  to  cast  the  care  of  their  present,  incertaine,  transi- 
torye  conditio  upon  the  love  &  wisdome  of  him  that  is  their 
father  &  God  all-sufficient,  who  hathe  undertaken  to  care  for 
them.  And  heerin  I  am  persuaded  (notwithstandinge  callinge 
for  a  diligent  &  faithfull  use  of  all  good  meanes)  that  a  Christian 
cannot  too  boldly  relye  upon  God  whilst  he  yields  himselfe  in 
obedience  to  his  will :  for  it  dothe  so  fittly  agree  to  the  nature 
of  a  young  childe,  whereunto  we  must  be  like  if  ever  we  shall 
come  in  heaven  :  it  is  so  called  for,  in  all  places  of  Scripture,  as 
Psal :  37.  5.  Rolle  thy  way  upon  the  Lord,  trust  in  him  &  he 
shall  bringe  it  to  passe :  the  whole  Psalme  is  excellent  to  this 
purpose  :  So  Phil :  4:6.7:  Be  carefull  for  nothinge,  but  in 
every  thinge  by  prayer  &  supplicatio,  etc.  But  especially  that 
in  Luke,  12  :  22,  &c :  Take  no  thought  what  you  shall  eate, 
&c :  And  observe  how  Christ  urgeth  that  exhortatio  by  the 
examples  of  the  Lillies  &  Ravens,  whence  he  gathers  an  un- 
answerable argument,  verse  28  :  If  God  so  clothe  the  grasse, 
&c :  will  he  not  clothe  you  ?  &c :  The  too  frequent  &  cum- 
bersome cares,  feares,  doub tings,  etc,  that  the  minds  &  mouthes 
of  most  Christians  are  taken  up  w*^  in  these  dayes,  doe  plainly 
discover  that  men  live  not  by  faithe  ;  &  that  heaven  is  not  their 
home,  when  they  sett  so  muche  store  by  the  things  of  this  worlde. 
Men  are  not  satisfied  w*"^  such  competencie  as  God  allowes  them, 
but  hunt  as  eagerly  after  risings  &  increasings,  as  if  it  were  the 
onely  ende  of  their  life  :  when  yet  we  are  exhorted  to  have  our 
conversatio  w*^out  covetousnesse,  &  to  be  content  w**^  what  we 
have,  for  he  hath  promised  that  he  will  not  faile  us  nor  forsake 
us,  &c  :    And  Salomon  in  all  his  "v^asdome  &  experience  tells  us 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  .  133 

that  it  is  the  blcssinge  of  God  that  makes  riche  w"'out  addinge 
sorrowe  :  But  the  tymes  seem  no  we  to  be  changed,  &  the  prises 
of  Salomons  merchandice  to  be  muche  abated,  as  if  you  reade 
the  3  of  the  Proverbes  from  the  13  verse  to  the  ende  of  the  18**^ 
you  will  thinke  as  I  saye.  But  I  forgett  myselfe  in  runniuge  so 
farre  in  this  argument :  but  I  take  the  more  lib"^  (as  I  sayd  at 
first)  because  I  would  confirme  that  in  thy  heart  whereunto  God 
hathe  allreadye  persuaded  thee  ;  &  God  of  his  mercye  persuade 
us  bothe  to  a  constant  foUowinge  of  the  hope  of  salvatio  w*^^  is 
layd  up  for  us  in  Christ,  &  so  shedd  abroad  his  love  in  our 
hearts  by  that  spirit  of  Adoption,  as  beinge  assured  that  our 
names  are  written  in  the  booke  of  life,  we  may  reioyce  w*** 
ioye  unspeakable  &  glorious.     Amen. 

"  By  this  w^*^  I  have  allreadye  written  I  may  seeme  to  confirme 
those  obiections  w^^  thy  freinds  have  moved,  &  to  grant  that 
there  should  be  great  causes  of  discouragement  offered  thee  in 
outward  respects  :  But  I  trust  I  shall  make  it  appeare  that  thou 
shalt  have  no  wronge  or  disparagement  by  matchinge  w"^  me, 
all  things  beinge  indifferently  considered  :  I  confesse  it  is  possible 
that  I  may  die  verye  soone,  &  then  thy  maintenance  for  a  while 
may  be  some  what  lesse  then  convenient ;  but  it  is  more  likely 
that  I  may  live  a  fewe  yeares  w'*^  thee,  w""^  will  certainly  better 
thy  conditio.  But  whether  I  live  longer  or  lesse  while,  I  can 
lett  thee  see  how,  w*^  a  little  patience,  thy  meanes  may  be  bet- 
ter than  80'^  a  yeare ;  yet  can  I  promise  no  more  for  present 
certaintye  then  I  have  formerly  acquainted  thy  freinds  w*** ; 
neither  would  I  that  thou  shoiddest  make  this  knowne  to  them. 
I  had  rather  that  they  should  finde  it  then  expecte  it.  What- 
sover  shall  be  wantinge  of  that  w*^^  thy  love  deserves,  my  kind- 
est affection  shall  endeavour  to  supplie,  whilst  I  live,  &  what  I 
leave  unsatisfied  (as  I  never  hope  to  be  out  of  thy  debt)  I  will 
sett  over  to  Him  who  is  able,  &  will  recompence  thee  to  the 
full :  &  for  the  present,  I  wish  thee  to  folloAve  the  prophets  ex- 
hortatio  Psal :  27.  14.  Waite  on  the  Lord,  be  of  good  corn-age, 
&  he  shall  strengthen  thyne  heart ;     Waite  I  say  on  the  Lorde."^ 

1  The  paper  is  torn  at  this  point,  and  the  signature  and  date  are  thus  wanting. 


134  .    LIFE   A]SfD  LETTERS 

The  second  of  these  letters  bears  date  after  all  the 
family  differences  were  at  an  end,  and  only  a  week  or 
two  before  the  marriage.  The  grave  suggestions  which 
it  contains,  in  regard  to  the  bridal  apparel  which  Marga- 
ret was  engaged  in  preparing,  will  occasion  a  smile. 
They  would  hardly  be  relished,  we  imagine,  by  any  young 
lady  to  whom  they  might  be  addressed  under  the  same 
circumstances  at  the  present  day.  But  the  scriptural 
allusions  and  apphcations  which  are  introduced  so 
abundantly  mto  this  letter  are  still  more  remarkable. 
Wmthrop  had  evidently  studied  the  Song  of  Solomon 
most  diligently.  It  seems  to  have  been  one  of  his  favor- 
ite books.  We  have  already  observed  hiai  more  than 
once,  in  his  religious  experiences  and  confessions,  borrow- 
ing the  ideas  and  images  of  that  "  mystical  allegory  of 
the  union  of  Christ  with  his  Church."  We  shall  find 
him  again,  hereafter,  in  several  of  his  letters,  adopting 
the  same  analogies  and  comparisons  between  eartlily 
marriages  and  the  marriage  of  the  Church  to  Christ. 
But  this  particular  letter  is  replete  with  them ;  and  the 
language  of  it  might  seem  not  a  little  extraordinary  to 
those  who  are  not  sufficiently  familiar  with  "  the  Canticle 
of  Canticles "  (as  it  was  formerly  styled  in  the  sacred 
calendar)  to  recognize  the  source  from  which  so  much  of 
his  phraseology  and  so  many  of  his  figures  are  derived. 
The  other  scriptural  references  will  readily  explain  them- 
selves ;  but  that  to  "  Cant :.  2."  might  hardly  be  so  obvi- 
ous ^o  a  common  reader.  It  must  not  be  forgotten,  too, 
that  the  rites  of  matrimony,  in  those  days,  were  always 
concluded  by  the  administration  of  the  holy  Communion 
to  the  bride  and  bridegroom ;  and  the  early  part  of  the 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  135 

letter  has  evident  allusion  to  that  solemn  sacrament. 
This  letter,  however,  like  the  others,  shall  speak  for 
itself. 

JoJm  Winthrop  to  Margaret  Tijndal. 

'•  To  my  best  beloved  M"  Margaret   Tyndall  at  Great  Maplested, 

Essex. 
"  Grace  mercie  &  peace,  &c : 

"My  onely  beloved  Spouse,  my  most  sweet  freind,  &  faith- 
full  companion  of  ray  pilgrimage,  the  happye  &  hopeful!  sup- 
plie  (next  Christ  Jesus)  of  my  greatest  losses,  I  wislie  thee  a 
most  plentifull  increase  of  all  true  comfoi't  in  the  love  of  Christ, 
w'*^  a  large  &  prosperous  addition  of  whatsoever  happynesse  the 
sweet  estate  of  holy  wedlocke,  in  the  kindest  societye  of  a 
lovinge  husbande,  may  afford  thee.  Beinge  filled  w"^  the  ioye 
of  thy  love,  &  wantinge  opportunitye  of  more  familiar  coiiiu- 
nion  w'''  thee,  w*^**  my  heart  fervently  desires,  I  am  constrained 
to  ease  the  burthen  of  my  nainde  by  this  poore  helpe  of  my 
scriblinge  penne,  beinge  sufficiently  assured  that,  although 
my  presence  is  that  w°'^  thou  desirest,  yet  in  the  want  thereof, 
these  hues  shall  not  be  unfruitfull  of  comfort  vmto  thee.  And 
noAV,  my  sweet  Love,  lett  me  a  whyle  solace  my  selfe  in  the 
remembrance  of  our  love,  of  w*^*^  this  springe  tyme  of  of  ac- 
quaintance can  putt  forthe  as  yet  no  more  but  the  leaves  & 
blossomes,  whilest  the  fruit  lyes  wrapped  up  in  the  tender  budde 
of  hope  ;  a  httle  more  patience  will  disclose  this  good  fruit,  & 
bringe  it  to  some  maturitye  :  let  it  be  of  care  &  labour  to  pre- 
serve these  hopefull  budds  from  the  beasts  of  the  fielde,  &  from 
frosts  &  other  iniuryes  of  the  ayre,  least  of  fruit  fall  off  ere  it 
be  ripe,  or  lose  ought  in  the  beautye  &  pleasantnesse  of  it : 
Lett  us  pluck  up  suche  nettles  *&  thornes  as  would  defraud 
of  plants  of  theh  due  nourishment ;  let  us  prume  off  superfluous 
branches ;  let  us  not  sticke  at  some  labour  in  wateringe  & 
manuringe  them  :  —  the  plentye  &  goodnesse  of  of  fruit  shall 
recompense  us  abundantly  :     Of  trees  are  planted  in  a  fruitfull 


136  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

soyle ;  the  groiinde,  &  patterne  of  of  love,  Is  no  other  but  that 
betweene  Christe  &  his  deare  spouse,  of  whom  she  speakes  as 
she  finds  hhn,  My  welbeloved  is  mine  &  I  am  his  :  Love  was 
their  banquetting  house,  love  was  their  wine,  love  was  their 
ensigne  ;  ^  love  was  his  invitinges,  love  was  hir  fayntinges  ;  love 
was  his  apples,  love  was  hir  comforts  ;  love  was  his  embracinges, 
love  was  hir  refreshinge  :  love  made  him  see  hir,  love  made  hir 
seeke  him  :  ^  love  made  him  wedde  hir,  love  made  hir  folio  we 
him  :  love  made  him  hir  saviour,  love  makes  hir  his  servant.^ 
Love  bredd  oT  fellowsliippe,  let  love  continue  it,  &  love  shall 
increase  it,  untill  deathe  dissolve  it.  The  prime  fruit  of  the 
Spirit  is  love  ;  ^  truethe  of  Spirit  &  true  love  :  abounde  w*^  the 
spirit,  &  abounde  w*  love  :  continue  in  the  spirit  &  continue  in 
love  :  Christ  in  his  love  so  fill  of  hearts  w*  holy  hunger  &  true 
appetite,  to  eate  &  drinke  w*''  him  &  of  him  in  this  his  sweet 
Love  feast,  w*^^  we  are  now  preparinge  unto,  that  when  of  love 
feast  shall  come,  Christ  Jesus  himselfe  may  come  in  unto  us,  & 
suppe  w*^  us,  &  we  w*?  him  :  so  shall  we  be  merrye  indeed. 
(O  my  sweet  Spouse)  can  we  esteeme  cache  others  love,  as 
worthy  the  recompence  of  of  best  mutuall  affections,  &  can  we 
not  discerne  so  muche  of  Christs  exceedinge  &  undeserved  love, 
as  may  cheerfully  allure  us  to  love  him  above  all  ?  He  loved 
us  &  gave  liimselfe  for  us  ;  &  to  helpe  the  weaknesse  of  the 
eyes  &  hande  &  mouthe  of  of  faithe,  w°^  must  seeke  him  in 
heaven  where  he  is,  he  offers  liimselfe  to  the  eyes,  hands  & 
mouthe  of  of  bodye,  heere  on  earthe  where  he  once  was.  The 
Lord  increace  of  faithe. 

"  Nowe  my  deare  heart  let  me  parlye  a  little  w*'^  thee  about 
trifles,  for  when  I  am  present  w*''  thee  my  speeche  is  preiudiced 
by  thy  presence,  w*:^  drawes  my  minde  from  it  selfe  :  I  suppose 
no  we,  upon  thy  unkle's  cominge,  there  wilbe  advisinge  &  coun- 
sellinge  of  all  hands  ;'  &  amongst  many  I  knowe  there  wilbe 


1  Cant:  2.  3  Jo:  3.  16.    Deut:  10.  12. 

2Jer:2.2.    Ezek:  16.  <  Gal:  5.22. 

(We  have  transferred  to  the  foot  of  the  page  the  above  references,  which  are  found  in  the  mar- 
gin Of  the  original  letter,  at  the  points  designated.) 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  137 

some,  that  wilbe  provokinge  thee,  in  these  indifferent  things,  as 
matter  of  apparell,  fashions  &  other  circumstances,  rather  to 
give  contente  to  their  vainc  minds  savouringe  too  muche  of  the 
fleshe  &c,  then  to  be  guided  by  the  rule  of  Gods  worde,  w*!*! 
must  be  the  light  &  the  Rule  ;  for  allthoughe  I  doe  easyly  grant 
that  the  Kingdome  of  heaven  is  not  meat  &  di'inke,  apparell 
cQ;c,  but  Righteousnesse,  peace  &c  :  yet  beinge  forbidden  to 
fashion  of  selves  like  unto  this  world,  &  to  avoyde  not  onely 
evill  but  all  appearance  of  it  must  be  avoyded,  &  allso  what 
soever  may  breed  offence  to  the  weake  (for  w*^"^  I  praye  thee 
reade  for  thy  direction  the  xilij"^  to  the  Rom  :)  &  for  that  Chris- 
tians are  rather  to  seeke  to  edifie  then  to  please,  I  hould  it  a 
rule  of  Christian  wisdome  in  all  these  things  to  followe  the 
soberest  examples  :  I  confesse  that  there  be  some  ornaments 
w^^  for  Virgins  &  Knights  daughters,  &c,  may  be  comly  & 
toUerable,  w1^  yet  in  so  great  a  change  as  thine  is,  may  well 
admitt  a  change  also  :  I  w^ill  medle  w*^  no  particulars,  neither 
doe  I  thinke  it  shalbe  needfull ;  thine  owne  wisdome  &  godli- 
nesse  shall  teache  thee  sufficiently  what  to  doe  in  suche  things  : 
&  the  good  assurance  w"^"^  I  have  of  thy  unfained  love  towards 
me,  makes  me  pers waded  that  thou  wilt  have  care  of  my  con- 
tentment, seeing  it  must  be  a  cheife  staye  to  thy  comfort :  & 
w*^all  the  great  &  sincere  desu^e  w"**  I  have  that  there  might  be 
•no  discouragement  to  daunt  the  edge  of  my  affections,  whyle 
they  are  truly  labouring  to  settle  &  repose  themselves  in  thee, 
makes  me  thus  watchful!  &  iealous  of  the  least  occasion  that 
Sathan  might  stirre  up  to  o''  discomfort.  He  that  is  faitlifull  in 
the  least  wilbe  faithfuU  in  the  greatest,  but  I  am  too  fearfull  I 
doe  thee  wronge,  I  knowe  thou  wilt  not  grieve  me  for  trifles. 
Let  me  intreat  thee  (my  sweet  Love)  to  take  all  in  good  parte, 
for  it  is  all  of  my  love  to  thee,  &  in  my  love  I  shaU  requite 
thee  :  I  acknowledge,  indeed,  thou  maist  iustly  say  to  me  as 
Christ  to  the  Pharisies,  Hypocrite,  first  cast  out  the  beame  that 
is  in  thine  owne  eye  &c,  for  whatsoever  I  may  be  in  thy  opin- 
ion, yet  mine  owne  guiltie  heart  tells  me  of  farre  greater  things 
to  be  reformed  in  my  selfe,  &  yet  I  feare  there  is  muche  more 

18 


138  LIFE    AND    LETTERS 

than  in  mine  owne  partiall  indgment  I  can  discerne ;  iust  cause 
I  have  to  complaine  of  my  pride,  unbeleefe,  hardnesse  of  heart 
&  impenitencie,  vanitye  of  minde,  unrulinesse  of  my  affections, 
stubbornesse  of  my  will,  ingratitude,  &  unfaithfullnesse  in  the 
Covenant  of  my  God,  &c.  therefore  (by  Gods  assistance)  I 
will  endeavour  that  in  myselfe,  w'^?  I  will  allso  desire  in  thee. 
Let  us  search  &  trye  of  hearts  &  turne  to  the  Lord  :  for  this  is 
of  safetye,  not  of  owne  innocencye,  but  his  mercie  :  If  when  we 
were  enemies  he  loved  us  to  reconciliatio ;  much  more,  beinge 
reconciled  will  he  save  us  from  destructio. 

"  Lastly  for  my  farewell  (for  thou  seest  my  lothenesse  to  parte 
w*^  thee  makes  me  to  be  teadious)  take  courage  unto  thee,  & 
cheare  up  thy  heart  in  the  Lorde,  for  thou  knowest  that  Christ 
thy  best  husbande  can  never  faile  thee :  he  never  dies,  so  as 
there  can  be  no  greife  at  partinge ;  he  never  changes,  so 
as  once  beloved  &  ever  the  same  :  his  abilitye  is  ever  infinite, 
so  as  the  dowrye  &  inheritance  of  his  sonnes  &  daughters  can 
never  be  diminished.  As  for  me  a  poore  worme,  dust  &  ashes, 
a  man  full  of  infirmityes,  subiect  to  all  sinnes,  changes  & 
chances,  w*^**  befall  the  sonnes  of  men,  how  should  I  promise 
thee  any  thinge  of  my  selfe,  or  if  I  should,  what  credence 
couldst  thou  give  thereto,  seeinge  God  only  is  true  &  every  man 
a  lyar.  Yet  so  farre  as  a  man  may  presume  upon  some  expe- 
rience, I  may  tell  thee,  that  my  hope  is,  that  suche  comfort  as  ■ 
thou  hast  allreadye  conceived  of  my  love  towards  thee,  shall 
(throughe  Gods  blessinge)  be  happily  continued ;  his  grace 
shalbe  sufficient  for  me,  &  his  power  shalbe  made  perfect  in  my 
greatest  weaknesse  :  onely  let  thy  godly,  kinde,  &  sweet  car- 
riage towards  me,  be  as  fuell  to  the  fire,  to  minister  a  constant 
supplie  of  meet  matter  to  the  confirminge  &  quickninge  of 
my  dull  affections  :  This  is  one  ende  why  I  write  so  muche  unto 
thee,  that  if  there  should  be  any  decay e  in  kindnesse  &c, 
throughe  my  default  &  slacknesse  heerafter,  thou  mightest  have 
some  patternes  of  of  first  love  by  thee,  to  helpe  the  recoverye 
of  suche  diseases  :  yet  let  of  trust  be  wholly  in  God,  &  let  us 
constantlye  folio  we  him  by  o!"  prayers,  complaininge  &  moan- 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  139 

inge  unto  him  of  owne  povertye,  imperfections  &  unworthynesse, 
untill  his  fatherly  affectfo  breake  forthe  upon  us,  &  he  speake 
kmdly  to  the  hearts  of  his  poore  servant  &  handmayd,  for  the 
full  assurance  of  Gx'ace  &  peace  tlu'ough  Christ  Jesus,  to  whom 
I  nowe  leave  thee  (my  sweet  Spouse  &  onely  beloved) .  God 
send  us  a  safe  &  comfortable  meetinge  on  Mondaye  mornlnge. 
Farewell.  Eemember  my  love  &  dutye  to  my  Ladye  thy  good 
mother,  w*.^  all  kinde  &  due  salutations  to  thy  unkle  E  :  &  all 
thy  brothers  &  sisters. 

"  Thy  husband  by  promise 

"John  Winthrop. 

"Groton  where  I  wish  thee.  Aprill  4.  1618. 

"  My  father  &  mother  salute  thee  heartyly  w*'*  my  Lady  & 
the  rest. 

"  If  I  had  thought  my  lettre  would  have  runne  to  halfe  this 
lengthe  I  would  have  mayde  choyce  of  a  larger  paper." 

We  should  hardly  know  where  to  look  for  love- 
letters  of  the  olden  time  more  quaint  and  curious  than 
those  which  have  just  been  given.  Sir  Simonds  D'Ewes, 
in  his  Autobiography  (1626),  gives  a  letter  of  his  own 
"to  IVIistress  Clopton,"  whom  he  was  about  to  marry; 
saying,  that,  it  "  being  the  only  Ime  I  sent  her  dui'mg 
my  wooing-time,  and  but  short,  I  have  thought  good  to 
insert  it  in  this  place."  -^  We  cannot  plead  their  brevity 
as  an  apology  for  insertmg  Winthrop's  letters;  and  we 
have  no  belief  that  the  two  which  have  so  strangely  sur- 
vived the  lapse  of  years  were  all  that  he  wrote  between 
his  engagement  and  his  marriage.  But  they  are  too  cha- 
racteristic, both  of  the  man  himself  and  of  the  times  in 
which  he  lived,  to  be  suppressed  or  abbreviated.     Were 

1  Autobiography  of  Sir  S.  D'Ewes,  vol.  i.  p.  316. 


140  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

they  less  than  two  centuries  and  a  half  old,  we  might, 
perhaps,  have  some  compunction  about  betraymg  the 
confidences  of  private  and  domestic  correspondence ; 
but  re-appearing,  as  they  have  done,  from  the  old 
original  files  in  which  they  have  so  long  slumbered,  at 
the  very  moment  when  this  volume  was  taken  seriously 
in  hand,  they  may  be  almost  said  to  have  asserted  their 
own  claim  to  be  included  among  the  illustrations  of  the 
character  of  their  author.  And  most  striking  evidence, 
certainly,  do  they  bring  to  that  deep-seated  and  prevail- 
ing love  of  God  in  his  heart,  which  strengthened  and 
purified  all  his  other  afiections,  and  which  seemed  itself 
to  be  pui'ified  and  strengthened  m  turn,  even  by  those 
very  earthly  ties  and  domestic  attachments  which  have 
so  often  estranged  other  hearts  from  the  highest  objects 
of  their  love. 

The  wedding  took  place  at  Great  Maplested,  not 
many  days  after  the  date  of  the  last  of  these  two  letters. 
Adam  Winthrop  had  recorded  the  precise  day  on  which 
it  occurred,  on  the  fly-leaf  of  one  of  his  old  almanacs ; 
but  the  paper  has  so  crumbled  with  age,  that  the  date 
cannot  now  be  deciphered  with  confidence.  We  have 
before  us,  however,  Adam's  distmct  record,  that  Mar- 
garet Tyndal,  his  son's  wife,  came  first  to  Groton  on 
Friday,  the  24th  of  April,  1618.  That  was  a  memora- 
ble advent  in  the  family  history.  It  was  the  commence- 
ment of  a  new  era  in  Winthrop's  personal  fortunes. 
The  clouds  and  darkness  which  had  overshadowed  so 
many  of  his  earlier  years  were  now  about  to  disappear, 
and  nearly  thirty  ye^rs  of  undisturbed  domestic  enjoy- 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  141 

ment  were  in  store  for  him.  Yet  little  could  Margaret 
have  di'camed  of  the  precise  career  which  awaited  her. 
Had  she  foreseen  that  only  eleven  or  twelve  years  would 
have  passed  away  before  she  should  be  called  on  to 
resign  all  the  luxuries  and  comforts  of  civilized  life,  to 
traverse  a  stormy  ocean,  and  to  take  up  her  abode  in  a 
distant  and  dreary  wilderness, — there  to  Hve,  and  there 
to  die,  —  she  might  well  have  faltered  as  she  crossed  the 
threshold  of  Groton  Manor.  Haply  she  might  even 
have  regretted  that  she  had  not  listened  to  the  remon- 
strances of  sisters  and  brothers,  before  linking  her 
fortunes  with  one  whose  religious  faith  and  fervor 
might  induce  him  to  engage  in  so  formidable  and  appall- 
ing an  enterprise. 

But  we  must  not  anticipate  the  course  of  her  destiny  ; 
and  still  less  must  we  distrust  that  constancy  and 
courage  of  which  we  shall  find  her  giving  such  abun- 
dant evidence  hereafter.  Resummg,  rather,  the  direct 
thi'ead  of  our  narrative,  we  may  find  here  an  appropriate 
place  for  two  brief  letters  from  that  same  Mr.  Culver- 
well  (Ezekiel  by  name)  by  whom  Winthrop  had  been 
married  to  the  wife  of  his  youth,  and  to  whom,  in  his 
"  Christian  Experience,"  he  attributed  his  earliest  reli- 
gious impressions.  One  of  them  was  written  on  occasion 
of  his  marriage  to  Margaret  Tyndal,  and  the  other  on 
the  approaching  birth  of  their  fhst  child.  They  certainly 
give  a  pleasant  impression  of  the  venerable  pastor,  by 
whose  "  weary,  shaking  hand  "  they  were  penned  ;  while 
they  bear  most  agreeable  testimony  to  the  "  true  Chris- 
tian love  "  of  him  to  whom  they  were  addressed. 


142  LIFE   AND  LETTERS 


Rev.  Ezekiel  Culverwell  to  John  Winilirop. 

"  To  the  Worp"  his  especiall  friend  Mr.  Winthrop  at  Groton. 
"  WORSHIPFULL     &    BELOVED  .  Mr.     WiNTHROP, I     liave 

receaved  your  letters  which  well  resemble  their  parent  in  con- 
stansy  of  true  christian  love,  which  yf  I  should  not  accordingly 
intertaine  it  should  be  my  great  fault.  The  occasions  of  my 
love  being  increased,  no  reason  my  love  should  be  abated.  I 
am  now  bowned  with  a  dubble  bond,  one  to  you,  another  to 
your  wife ;  to  you  both  I  say,  yea  for  you  both  I  pray,  God 
make  your  comforts  like  to  ours  which  you  [know]  were 
not  common.  I  know  no  better  means  thereof  than  the  con- 
stant strife  between  us  who  should  o-et  the  better  hand  in  kind- 
nes  &  duties  of  our  place.  I  ever  complaned  I  was  behind  & 
she  the  like.  Let  it  be  so  with  you  &  you  shalbe  both  great 
gayners.  But  this  will  not  be  obtained  yf  God  be  any  looser  by 
your  bargane.  Let  him  therefore  have  your  hearts  &  he  will 
give  them  back  ecli  to  other.  For  myselfe  I  have  had  this  spring 
much  peine  &  never  look  to  recover  my  weaknes  in  my  feet  & 
peines  of  the  stone  which  both  have  some  mitigation  that  I  may 
endure  them.  I  have  indeed  as  you  well  deem  oft  remembered 
you  &  joyed  in  the'  accomphshment  of  your  mariage,  &  wilbe 
ready  to  further  your  comforts  wherein  me  lyeth,  &  thus  my 
weary  shaking  hand  makes  me  to  end  —  The  Lord  every  way 
prosper  your  mariage. 

"Yours  ever  in  Christ  "Ez.  Culverwell." 

Rev.  Ezekiel  Culverwell  to  John  Winthrop. 

"  To  the  "Wop"  his  very  kinde  friend  Mr.  John  Winthrop  at  Groton. 

"Eight  worthilte  beloved, — I  take  very  thankfully 
your  loving  respect  of  me,  &  God  forbid  I  should  so  sinne  as  to 
cease  to  pray  for  you  &  yours,  of  whom  I  conceave  good  hope 
that  they  be  that  blessed  seed,  of  whom  it  shalbe  veryfyed 
which  Esa  61,  9.  did  foretell.     And  to  this  end  make  it  (as  you 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  143 

doe)  your  cliiefe  stuclye  to  trajne  them  up  in  the  nurture  & 
admonition  of  the  Lord,  which  I  understand  from  their  infansy 
to  nurse- them  up  in  knowledge  &  practise  of  Christianity  as 
their  capacity  will  bear.  I  hear  your  wife  is  neer  her  tyrae,  I 
pray  God  give  like  successe  to  my  poor  prayers  for  you  which 
of  late  I  have  found  Avith  others,  who  have  craved  my  help  in 
like  case.  Thus  much  certify  your  sweet  natured  &  modest 
wyfe  (as  I  conceave)  for  her  comfort,  that  (as  neer  as  I  can 
gesse)  I  -wilbe  with  her  at  her  need.  I  would  be  glad  to  hear 
how  she  fits  her  self  to  your  course.  I  doubt  not  but  my 
much  respected  Lady  Tindal  wilbe  with  you,  whom  I  pray 
salute  in  my  name,  &  merily  require  her  to  pay  her  debts,  I 
meane  of  prayers  for  me,  which  I  must  looke  to  in  myselfe 
both  for  her  &  you  both.  Concerning  my  helth  its  oft  crasy, 
but  noe  regement  fitts.  I  am  growing  into  an  astma,  that  is  a 
shortnes  of  breath  with  wheesing  &  a  dry  cough.  I  desire  & 
labour  to  be  ready  for  my  change,  &  so  I  comit  us  all  to  the 
providence  of  our  heavenly  father. 

"Yours  while  his  owne  "Ez.   Culverwell. 

"  Mar.  12.  1618. 

"I  hope  you  haue  heard  of  my  daughter's  frultfulnes,  two  at 
a  byrth  :  4  which  could  not  make  2  yeers.  7  living,  the  poor 
man  hath  his  hands  full,  yet  I  thank  God  he  thrives  both 
wayes  which  is  rare  &  good." 

Here,  too,  we  may  find  a  place  for  a  letter  from  Mar- 
garet's brother,  Deane  Tyndal,  Esq.,  written  a  year  or 
two  after  her  marriage,  which  furnishes  ample  evidence, 
that  whatever  family  misgivings  there  may  originally 
have  been  as  to  the  ^visdom  of  the  match,  the  most  cor- 
dial and  affectionate  relations  had  now  been  established 
between  Winthrop  and  at  least  one  of  her  brothers: 
another  of  whom,  we  shall  find  hereafter,  actually 
accompanied  him  to  New  England. 


144  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 


Deane  Tyndal  to  John  Winthrop. 

"  To  my  verie  loveing  brother  Mr.  John  Winthrop  att  his  house  in 
Groton  give  these. 

"KiiSTDE  Brother,  —  I  acknowledg  your  great  love  in 
sending  to  see  us,  and  condemne  myselfe  of  neglect  in  that 
kinde ;  w'^^  I  protest  (and  that  trulye)  hath  not  proceeded 
from  anie  forgetfullnesse  of  my  sister,  or  you,  but  the  snow, 
&  cold  weather,  hath  kept  me  and  mine  from  sturing  farr  from 
home.  Now  I  understand  by  your  messenger  that  the  wayes 
be  pasable,  it  shall  not  be  longe  (if  it  please  God)  before  I  will 
visit  you,  for  I  much  desier  to  see  my  sister  and  you,  whose 
good  I  daylie  wish  and  praye  for.  Sf  John  Deane  and  his  Ladie 
after  a  troublesom  and  dangerous  iournie  are  safe  come  home. 
They  report  that  it  is  of  credit  that  the  Kinge  of  Bohemia  and 
his  whole  armie  are  overthrone,  the  Citie  of  Prage  taken  by 
Burquoy,  the  Eange  and  Queen  fled,  and  som  afferme  he  is  not. 
This  sadd  newes  we  heare  here.  I  have  sent  you  Camden. 
My  wife,  I  thanke  the  Almightie,  was  never  better  soe  neere 
hir  time.  And  thus  w*^  thankes  for  all  your  kindnesses,  my 
wives  and  my  owne  love  and  unfayned  affections  being  remem- 
bred  to  our  best  beloyed  sister  and  yourselfe  I  rest 

"Your  assured  loving  brother  "Deanie  Tyndale. 

"  The  second  of  Dec'  1620." 

Here,  again,  may  be  given  another  of  the  Lady  Mild- 
may's  pleasant  letters,  addressed  about  this  period,  though 
unhappily  without  any  exact  date,  to  her  cousin,  John 
Winthrop :  — 

The  Lady  Mildmay  to  John  Winthrop. 

"Good  CosEN, — I  hartelie  thancke  you  for  this  good  mes- 
senger, &  also  for  yoF  lovinge  &  proper  lettre.  I  acknowledge 
myselfe  so  unworthie  of  so  greate  respecte  as  every  waie  unable 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  145 

to  make  tlic  least  requital  unto  you  for  it.  I  assure  myselfe  it 
is  a  special  blessinge  of  God  uppon  me  &  my  posteritie,  that  he 
liathe  moved  the  heartes  of  yof  selfe,  wife  &  lovinge  parents, 
to  be  so  myndfull  of  me.  Howe  available  God  hath  iudged 
the  praiers  of  his  servants,  one  for  another,  his  holy  worde 
besides  of  owne  experience  hath  made  knowne  unto  us.  The 
Lorde  knowes  howe  barren  this  place  (wherein  he  hathe  set  me) 
is  of  grace,  as  also  myne  owne  weakenes  in  it :  and  therefore 
he  movethe  his  servants  to  upholde  me  by  their  praiers,  as 
Aaron  &  Hur  staled  up  the  hand  of  Moses  :  least  he  should 
sale  unto  me,  as  he  saide  to  the  Churche  of  Sardis,  Thou  hast 
a  name  that  thou  ly^^est,  but  thou  art  deade.  The  Lorde  I 
trust  Avill  keepe  me  from  that  deadnes.  And  seinge  he  hathe 
given  me  an  other  sonne,  as  a  pledge  of  his  mercy,  I  have 
cause  to  reioice  as  by  yoF  letter  it  appereth  you  doe.  I  be- 
seeche  the  Almightie  that  his  blessinge  may  be  uppon  him,  that 
his  frends  may  have  more  cause  to  reioice  in  his  second  birthe 
then  in  liis  first,  when  they  shall  see  that  the  Lorde  hathe  fitted 
him  for  his  owne  service.  Thus  good  Cosen  w^'^  the  remem- 
brance of  my  love  to  yof  selfe  &  yoF  good  wife,  I  committe 
you  to  God  &  reste  ever  yours  to  the  uttermost  of  my  power. 

"Amy  IVIiLDMAY." 

And  here,  also,  we  may  give  the  few  passages  of  Wm 
throp's  little  autograph  volume  of  religious  experiences 
which  relate  to  this  period,  —  the  first  of  them  bearing 
date,  according  to  the  old  style,  on  the  24th  of  March, 
1618;  or,  as  we  now  should  write  it,  the  3d  of  April, 
1619. 

"On  Wensdaye  the  24*^^  of  Marche  1618,  Marg*  my  wife 
was  delivered  of  a  sonne, ^  whereof  I  desire  to  leave  this  testi- 
monye  of  my  thankfullnese  unto  God,  that  she  being  above  40 


1  This  -was  Stephen  Winthrop,  who  was  colonel  of  a  regiment  in  the  civil  wars  of 
England,  and  a  member  of  one  of  Cromwell's  parliaments. 

19 


146  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

houres  In  sore  travajle,  so  as  it  beganne  to  be  doubted  of  bir 
life,  yet  the  Lord  sent  hir  a  safe  deliverance.  Heerby  I  had 
occasion  to  finde  the  great  power  &  benefite  of  prayer  :  for 
Mr  Sands  first  prayeing  w*''  hir  in  hir  trouble,  &  after  myselfe, 
it  pleased  God  (althoughe  she  was  not  delivered  many  houres 
after)  yet  to  increase  hir  strengthe,  &  afterwards,  I  perceiving 
hir  danger,  I  humbled  myselfe  in  fastinge  &  mourninge,  I 
searched  my  heart  for  some  sinnes,  &  made  up  my  peace  w*^ 
my  God,  &  so  getting  a  more  large  &  melting  heart  to  goe 
unto  the  Lord,  I  sett  myselfe  to  prayer,  &  gave  not  over  untill 
God  had  sent  hir  deliverance. 

"  The  daye  after  hir  deliverance  she  was  taken  w*^  a  burning 
feaver,  w^*^  heald  hir  so,  as  after  the  viii*'^  daye  was  passed  my 
Cosin  Duke  made  little  reconinge  of  hir  life,  but  w^^in  one  daye 
after,  beinge  the  lO*'^  daye  of  hir  sicknesse,  diverse  godly  min" 
meetinge  togither  did  in  their  prayer  remember  hir  case  in  par- 
tic'",  &  that  very  daye  &  houre  (as  neere  as  might  be  guessed) 
she  founde  a  sensible  release  of  hir  disease.  The  Lord  be 
blessed  forevermore. 

"Aug.  22,  1619.  I  had  been  drawne  from  my  stedfastnesse, 
&  walked  in  an  unsettled  course,  for  the  space  of  a  yeare  & 
more,  before  this  tyme  :  I  had  made  diverse  attempts  to  returne 
againe,  but  they  still  vanished,  my  zeale  was  cooled,  my  com- 
fort in  heavenly  things  was  gone,  I  had  no  ioye  in  prayer,  nor 
in  the  Sabaothe,  nor  in  Gods  word,  nor  in  the  Cornunion  of 
Saints,  or  if  I  had  any,  it  was  so  soone  gone,  as  it  was  not  to 
be  regarded  ;  &  now  it  pleased  God  to  open  mine  eyes  againe 
upon  a  Sabaothe  daye,  &  I  founde  the  cause  of  all  to  be,  that 
I  had  againe  embraced  this  p''sent  worlde,  eagerly  pursuinge 
the  delights  &  pleasures  of  it,  &  I  might  easyly  observe  that 
as  the  love  of  the  world  p'^vayled,  so  the  love  of  God  &  all 
goodnesse  decayed.  Heerupon  (by  Gods  grace)  I  have  ag"® 
resolved  to  renounce  this  worlde,  &  to  holde  in  my  affections  to 
the  love  &  estimation  of  heavenly  things  ;  the  Lord  in  mercye 
inable  me  hereunto. 


OF  JOHN  "WTNTHEOP.  147 

''  It  is  a  policie  of  Sathan  to  discourage  us  from  duty  by  set- 
tinge  before  us  g*  appearances  of  danger,  difficulty,  impossibili- 
tie,  &c,  w*^*^  when  we  come  to  examine  or  make  triall  of,  are 
found  indeed  to  be  nothinge  so ;  but  even  as  a  foole  being  tyed 
by  a  tliredd  or  a  strawe,  thinkes  himselfe  unpossible  to  stirre, 
&  therefore  stands  still,  so  dothe  Sathan  make  advantage  of 
of  foolishe  &  fearfull  dispositio.  In  these  discouragements  &c, 
it  is  sufficient  oft  tymes  to  sett  us  at  lib*^®,  if  we  doe  but  con- 
sider that  it  is  the  tempter,  &g. 

"  "When  I  thinke  it  were  good  (in  some  partic'  pleasures,  &c) 
for  the  peace  of  my  Conscience,  to  leave  suche  or  suche  a 
thinge  undone,  &c,  it  is  a  usuall  obiectio  of  my  heart  —  But  I 
shall  o;aine  nothincje  bv  leavino-e  it  &c  :  so  as  I  see  it  is  o:ood 
for  a  man  to  applie  to  himselfe  that  promise  of  God  to  Ab  :  I 
am  thy  exceedinge  g*  reward  :  &  vf^^  Moses  to  have  respect  to 
the  recompence  of  the  Reward  :  Heb  :  11.  &  therefor  to  have 
the  eye  of  ffiiithe  all  way  es  fixed  upon  life  evf  lastinge,  for  by 
nature  we  are  all  disposed  to  saye  as  the  wicked  in  Job  :  AVhat 
profite  shall  we  have,  &c  : 

"It  appeares  by  divers  p''cepts  of  God  to  Israeli,  Deut  , 
of  talkinge  w*^  their  children  &c,  about  God,  &  by  the  prac- 
tice of  the  faithfull  in  the  tymes  of  persecution,  that  we  shoidd 
have  religion  in  as  famihar  practice  as  oF  eatinge  &  drinkinge, 
dealings  about  earthly  affaires  &c,  &  not  to  tye  it  onely  to  the 
exercises  of  Di^-ine  worship,  w*^'^  makes  that  there  is  so  little 
free  speeche  of  heavenly  matters,  &  that  men  are  readye  to 
blushe  at  the  speakinge  or  hearinge  thereof,  as  if  it  were  some 
streininge  of  modesty e. 

"  1620  :  Aprill  7  :  beinge  frydaye.  About  one  of  the  clocke 
in  the  morninge  Adam  my  sonne  was  borne. 

"  I  have  cause  for  ever  to  remember  the  goodnesse  of  the  Lo  : 
&  the  power  of  prayer,  for  my  wife  beinge  in  longe  &  very 
difficult  travaile  I  humbled  my  selfe  in  earnest  prayer  to  God 


148  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

for  Idr,  &  beinge  In  the  next  chamber,  as  I  arose  from  prayer 
I  heard  the  child  crye.  I  desire  of  God,  I  may  make  more 
accompt  of  prayer,  havinge  so  ofte  founde  the  sweet  successe 
of  it.  I  perceive  the  Lo  :  will  keepe  faithfully  his  promises  w''' 
his  Children. 

"  I  haue  founde  that  a  man  may  master  &  keepe  under  many 
corrupt  lusts  by  the  meere  force  of  reason  &  morall  considera- 
tions (as  the  heathen  did)  but  they  will  returne  ag"  to  their 
former  strength :  there  is  no  way  to  mortifie  them  but  by 
falthe  in  Christ,  &  his  deathe :  that  as  he,  when  sinne  &c,  had 
him  at  the  greatest  advantage  In  the  grave,  yet  then  gate  the 
full  victorie  of  sinne  &c,  by  arisinge  from  under  It ;  so  a  Ch° 
beinge  in  him  by  falthe,  is  made  really  partaker  of  his  Conquest. 

"  1620.  Januarye  12.  Ridinge  throughe  Boxford  w^  Mr. 
Gurdon  in  his  coache,  my  sonne  Henrye  beinge  w**^  me  &  one 
of  Mr.  Gurdons  men,  enteringe  into  the  towne  the  coachmen 
was  throwne  off  &  the  horses  ranne  throughe  the  towne  over 
logges  &  highe  stumpes  untill  they  came  upon  the  causye  right 
ag*  the  Churche,  &  there  were  snarled  In  the  logges,  &c  ;  &  the 
coache  beinge  broken  in  peeces,  toppe,  botom  &  sides,  yet  by 
Gods  most  mercifull  providence  we  were  all  safe  :  blessed  be  his 
holy  name. 

"  The  water  of  Bethlem  that  David  offered  unto  God  was  not 
an  offerlnge  that  had  any  promise  of  acceptance,  neither  for  the 
worth  of  it  could  challenge  any :  yet  (no  doubt)  it  was  well 
pleasinge  unto  God,  because  It  was  a  deniall  of  himselfe  for 
Gods  sake  In  that  particular  lust  of  his  ;  we  many  tymes  have 
the  lesse  heart  to  beat  downe  o^  particular  lusts  in  thinges  that 
are  indifferent,  or  of  so  smale  consequence  as  we  think  that  God 
will  have  no  respecte  to  us  for  it.  But  afterwards  even  in  suche 
thinges  God  is  well  pleased  that  we  doe  denye  o^  selves,  &  the 
sacrlficlnge  of  any  longinge  affection  to  the  Love  of  of  God 
(though  it  be  but  either  a  little  water,  an  apple,  a  trifllnge  plea- 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  149 

sure,  &c,)  is  of  greater  account  w"*  him  then  some  workes  of  a 
farre  more  glorious  appearance. 

"  Many  thinges  w'^'^  fiill  out  by  the  ordinarye  course  of  nature 
&c,  are  not  easylye  discerned  to  be  guided  by  any  speciall  pro- 
vidence of  God,  as  the  Eclipses  of  the  Sunne  &c,  thunders, 
tempests,  &c,  the  effects  whereof  are  ofte  very  strange ;  but 
God  who  had  from  the  beginninge  determined  of  suche  effects, 
did  w"^all  appointe  that  the  course  of  naturall  causes  should 
concurre  at  the  same  tyme :  so  that  heerby  his  glory  is  the 
greater,  in  effectinge  thinges  extraordinary,  &  yet  not  changing 
the  order  of  causes.  Thus  when  God  in  iustice  hathe  appointed 
that  a  wicked  man  shalbe  cut  off,  he  hath  w'^all  appointed  that 
suche  a  disease,  suche  a  battail  &c,  or  age  it  selfe  shall  concurre 
at  the  same  instant  for  effecting  of  it,  so  that  thoughe  he  dye  of 
meer  age,  yet  he  dies  by  the  force  of  Gods  judgm*.  So  when 
God  sayes  that  the  righteous  men  are  taken  awaye  from  the  evill 
to  come,  &  we  see  good  men  ag*  such  ill  tymes  die  of  pure  age, 
yet  it  is  truely  fullfilled  that  they  are  taken  away  from  the  evill 
to  come ;  for  he  who  had  determined  of  the  occasion  of  their 
takinge  awaye,  had  determined  allso,  that  they  should  be  borne 
w^  age  fitt  for  that  occasion." 

In  connection  with  the  foregoing  account  of  the  birth 
of  two  of  Winthrop's  children,  we  may  appropriately  give 
the  following  statement  in  relation  to  them,  as  found  in  the 
clear  and  careful  chirography  of  Adam  Winthrop,  their 
grandfather.  He  was  doubtless  particularly  gratified,  in 
his  old  age,  to  have  one  of  them  called  by  his  own  name; 
and  we  can  imagine  the  satisfaction  with  which  he  took 
up  his  best  pen  to  record  the  details  of  their  birth  and 
baptism.  It  is  the  last  writing  of  the  fond  old  grand- 
father which  remains  to  this  day.  Of  course,  he  puts  his 
little  namesake  down  first. 


150  LITE   AJSTD    LETTERS 

"Adam  Wlnthrop,  the  second  soone  of  John  "Winthrop  Es- 
quire &  Margaret  his  third  wife,  was  borne  in  Groton,  on  frydaie 
y®  seventh  day  of  y®  moneth  of  April,  in  the  yere  of  our  Lorde, 
one  thousand  sixe  hundred  and  twentie  ;  and  in  y^  beginninge  of 
y®  eightene  yere  of  the  reigne  of  our  Sovereigne  Lorde  James 
Eange  of  Great  Britanne. 

"He  was  baptised  by  Mr.  Nicholson,  the  parson  of  Groton, 
and  named  Adam  by  Adam  Winthrop  his  grandfather,  Philip 
Goslin  the  elder,  Jane  Goslin  his  fathers  sister,  &  Mary  Cole 
the  wife  of  Joseph  Cole,  who  were  his  godfathers  and  god- 
mothers. 

"  Steven  his  elder  brother  by  father  &  mother,  was  borne  on 
[Wednesday]  the  24  day  of  Marche,  in  the  yere  of  our  Lord, 
1618.  Margaret  their  mother  nursed  the  younger,  and  not  the 
elder. 

"  Sir  John  Tindal,  knight,  was  their  grandfather  by  their 
mother  :  And  the  Ladye  Anne  Tindal  was  their  grandmother, 
who  lyved  after  they  were  borne ;  &  died  the  20**^  day  of  July 
1620.  She  was  godmother  unto  Steven,  &  Mr.  Steven  Eger- 
ton  her  brother,  and  Mr.  Deane  Tindal  her  sonne  were  his 
godfathers. 

"Sir  John  Deane,  knight,  is  their  unckle  by  their  grand- 
mother, y**  lady  Tindal :  &  Mr.  Deane  Tindal  &  Mr.  Arthure 
Tindal  are  their  unckles,  by  their  grandfather  Sir  John  Tindal." 

Before  concluding  this  chapter,  we  may  find  room  for 
a  Will  which  was  made  and  executed  by  Winthrop  soon 
after  the  birth  of  the  second  of  these  children.  Though 
superseded  by  one  afterwards  made  in  New  England,  it 
furnishes  the  best  and  most  authentic  evidence  of  his 
condition  and.  circumstances  at  the  exact  period  of  his 
life  which  we  have  now  reached.  Nor  is  it  without 
many  characteristic  features  both  of  style  and  of  sub- 
stance.    It  is  as  follows  : — 


OF  JOHN   WINTHEOP.  151 

**JOHN  WlXTHROP. 

[SEAX,.] 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  amen.  This  tenth  day  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  God  1620,  and  in  the  eighteenth  year  of 
the  reign  of  our  sovereign  Lord,  King  James  of  England, 
etc.,  and  of  Scotland  the  fifty-third,  I,  John  Winthrop,  of 
Groton,  in  the  county  of  Suffolk,  Esquire,  being  ( I  praise 
God)  of  sound  mind  and  memory,  and  in  good  health  of  body 
(upon  serious  consideration  of  the  frailty  and  uncertainty  of 
tliis  momentary  life,  occasioned  by  the  Lord's  watchword,  and 
frequent  examples  of  such  as  I  have  observed  to  have  been 
snatched  away  suddenly  and  in  their  best  health  and  strength) , 
do  make  and  declare  by  these  presents  my  last  will  and  testa- 
ment in  manner  following  :  — 

"First,  I  commend  my  soul  into  the  hands  of  God,  who 
made  me  and  redeemed  me,  and  hath  renewed  me  into  the 
image  of  Christ  Jesus ;  by  whom  only  I  am  washed  from  my 
sins,  and  adopted  to  be  the  child  of  God,  and  an  heir  of  ever- 
lasting life,  and  that  of  the  mere  and  free  favor  of  God,  who 
hath  elected  me  to  be  a  vessel  of  glory  for  the  only  manifesta- 
tion of  his  infinite  mercy,  and  accordingly  hath  called  me  out- 
wardly by  his  word,  and  inwardly  and  effectually  by  his  holy 
spu'it,  into  this  grace  wherein  now  I  stand  and  rejoice  under 
the  hope  of  the  glory  to  come.  My  body  I  yield  to  the  earth, ^ 
there  to  be  decently  bestowed,  as  waiting  for  the  hope  of  the 
resurrection  of  the  just.  Now,  for  such  temporal  goods  as  I 
shall  leave  behind  me,  I  do  commit  them  to  the  care  and  dispo- 
sition of  Margaret  my  wife,  [Mr.  Adam  Winthrop  my  father, 
Anne  Winthrop  my  mother,^]  and  John  A¥inthrop  my  son, 
whom  I  do  make  and  ordain  executors  of  this  my  last  will  and 
testament,  to  this  end,  and  upon  this  confident  persuasion,  that 
they  will  have  a  mutual  love  and  due  regard  each  to  other  and 
to  all  the  rest  of  our  family,  and  that  they  will  faithful  perform 

1  At  this  point  of  the  original  instrument,  the  following  words  are  inscribed  in  the 
margin:  "  I  desire  to  be  laid  near  my  godly  and  loving  wives,  — if  conveniently  it  may 
be." 

2  The  words  in  brackets  are  partially  erased  in  the  original. 


152  LUTE   AND   LETTERS 

this  my  last  will  and  testament.  Item,  I  give  unto  my  said 
wife  all  those  my  lands  and  tenements  which  I  lately  purchased 
of  William  Forthe  of  Neyland,  gentleman;  viz.,  the  two  ten- 
ements, and  six  acres  of  land,  lying  by  Leven  Heath,  in  the 
occupation  of  [blank]  Coker,  and  ten  acres  of  woodland  lying 
near  the  same  tenements  :  which  land  and  woods  are  called  by 
the  several  names  of  Masterman's  Cross,  Masterman's  Grove, 
Stubbins  Cross,  Stubbins  Grove,  and  Ho  my  lie's  Grove,  or  by 
what  other  names  soever  ;  and  also  one  close  of  pasture-ground, 
called  Little-pond  Field,  containing  about  eight  acres,  lying  at 
the  end  of  Neyland  Town,  towards  Buers ;  and  also  three  acres 
of  meadow  lying  in  Lowe's  Meadow,  in  the  parish  of  Assing- 
ton,  just  by  the  said  end  of  Neyland  Town  :  all  which  said 
parcels  of  land,  meadow,  and  wood,  are  more  particularly 
expressed  in  a  certain  deed  of  feoffment  from  the  said  William 
Forthe  to  me  made,  bearing  date  the  twenty-seventh  day  of 
July,  1617.  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  tenements,  land, 
meadows,  pastures,  and  woods  unto  my  said  wife  for  term  of 
her  life ;  and,  after  her  decease,  to  remain  to  Adam,  my  son, 
and  to  his  heirs.  I  give  unto  my  said  son  John  aU  that  mes- 
suage wherein  I  now  dwell,  together  with  all  the  appurtenances, 
and  all  that  Indenture  of  lease,  or  term  of  years,  which  I  have 
in  the  same,  and  in  certain  acres  of  land  therewith  let,  being 
now  in  my  occupation,  situate  In  Groton  aforesaid,  and  being 
parcel  of  the  rectory  of  the  same  parish.  Item,  whereas  I 
have  one  parcel  of  land  called  Upper  Crab  tree  went,  containing 
about  twelve  acres,  lying  in  Groton  aforesaid,  and  now  In  the 
occupation  of  Philip  Gostlln  the  elder,  wlilch  I  have  left  out  of 
former  conveyances,  to  this  end,  that  I  might  lay  it  unto  the 
parsonage  of  Groton,  in  satisfaction  of  the  like  quantity  of 
land  which  I  have  of  the  same,  I  do  hereby  admonish  my  said 
son,  and  strelghtly  charge  him  before  the  Lord,  that  he  so  dis- 
pose hereof  as  may  be  best  to  God's  glory,  the  peace  of  his 
own  conscience,  and  the  due  recompense  of  the  faithful  incum- 
bent; as  myself  purpose  to  do,  if  God  spare  me  life  to  a  fit 
opportunity. 

"Item,  for  Mary,  my  daughter,  I  will  that  my  executors 


OF  JOHN"  WINTHEOP.  153 

shall  pay  her  grandfather  Forthe  his  legacy  of  £240,  to  be 
paid  her  at  her  age  of  eighteen  years  ;  and,  withal,  I  do  com- 
mit her  to  the  care  of  my  executors,  to  be  well  and  Christianly 
educated  with  such  goods  as  I  shall  leave  unto  them.  [^  Item, 
I  Avill  that  my  said  executors  shall  pay  unto  Luce  Winthrop, 
my  sister,  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds ;  one  hundred 
whereof  is  due  to  her  upon  an  agreement  between  my  father 
and  me  upon  the  setting-over  liis  whole  estate  unto  me.  Item, 
I  will  that  they  shall  pay  unto  Ezekiel  Bonde  threescore  pounds 
and  [blank]  that  which  is  behind  and  due  to  liim  of  such  lega- 
cies as  my  said  father  was  to  pay  unto  him.]  Item,  I  will  that 
my  son[s,  Henry  and]  Forthe,  shall  be  brought  up  and  disposed 
of  by  my  executors  in  learning,  [or  else  m  some  honest  calling 
such  as  they  shall  j)i*ove  most  fit  for,]  out  of  the  rents  and 
profits  as  they  are  to  have  by  the  will  and  testament  of  their 
said  grandfather,  Mr.  Forthe,  Avhen  they  shall  attain  to  certain 
ages,  as  in  the  said  will  is  expressed.  My  other  two  sons, 
Stephen  and  Adam,  I  commend  to  the  care  of  their  mother,  to 
be  brought  up  in  the  fear  of  God  by  the  help  of  such  lands 
and  goods  as  I  shall  leave  unto  her.  Item,  I  will  that  my 
executors  shall  pay  my  son  Henry  £13.  6s.  8d.  yearly  out  of 
those  lands  which  should  fall  to  him  by  his  grandfather  Forthe's 
will,  at  his  age  of  twenty-four  years.  Item,  I  make  my  loving 
wife  and  John  my  son^  executors  of  this  my  last  will  and  testa- 
ment ;  entreating  and  charging  them  that  they  will  provide 
that  aU  my  debts  may  be  truly  paid  and  satisfied  out  [of]  such 
lands  and  goods  as  I  shall  leave  unto  them ;  for  performance 
whereof  I  do  give  unto  my  son  John  the  lease  of  the  house  I 
dwell  in,  with  the  lands  thereunto  belonging  and  therewith  oc- 
cupied. 

"  Published  in  the  presence  of 

"  Henry  Winthrop, 
Sajviuel  Gostlin." 

1  The  erasure  in  the  original  of  the  words  enclosed  in  brackets  indicates  the  changes 
which  had  occurred  in  his  family  and  affairs  during  the  six  or  seven  years  next  after  the 
will  was  made,  and  of  which  we  shall  see  the  details  as  we  proceed  with  his  life. 
2  John  was  at  this  time  only  in  his  sixteenth  year. 

20 


154  LITE   AND  LETTERS 

It  would  appear  from  this  instrument,  that,  in  1620, 
Winthrop's  father  and  mother,  and  sister  Lucy,  were 
hving ;  and  that  he  had  five  sons  and  one  daughter,  — 
John,  Henry,  Forth,  Mary,  Stephen,  and  Adam.  He 
seems  also  to  have  possessed  an  ample  landed  estate,  and 
to  have  provided  for  its  equitable  distribution  at  his 
death.  But  the  striking  feature  of  the  will  is  the  testi- 
mony which  it  supphes,  not  only  to  his  own  religious 
faith,  but  to  his  anxious  care  that  his  children  should  be 
"well  and  Christianly  educated,"  and  "brought  up  in 
the  fear  of  God." 

It  would  seem,  too,  from  this  instrument,  that  the  lord- 
ship of  the  Manor  of  Groton  had  already  been  assigned 
to  John  Winthrop  by  Adam,  his  father ;  and  an  origi- 
nal record,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy,  confirms 
this  idea,  and  may  not  be  enthely  without  mterest,  as 
an  illustration  of  the  legal  forms  and  customs  of  the 
place  and  the  period:  — 

"  Groton. 

"Memorandum  that  the  14th  dale  of  November  Anno 
Domini  millessimo  sexcentessimo  decimo  octavo  (1618)  et 
domini  Jacobi  regis  Angliae  &c  decimo  sexto,  Johannes  Nutton, 
senr. ,  came  before  John  Winthrop  Esq. ,  lorde  of  the  manor  of 
Groton  and  out  of  the  Com-t  of  the  said  manor  in  the  presence 
of  Adam  Wintlirop,  gent,  John  Doget  and  Steven  Gostlin  two 
customary  tenantes  of  the  said  manor,  did  surrender  into  the 
hands  of  the  said  John  Winthrop  all  that  his  moitie  and  portion 
of  the  customary  lands  which  he  holdeth  of  the  said  John  Win- 
throp as  of  the  manor  aforesaid  to  the  use  of  the  said  John 
Winthrop  and  his  heirs,  and  the  said  John  Winthrop  being  so 
seized  of  the  moitie  aforesaid  did  presently  in  the  presence  of 
the  said  Adam  Wiathrop,    John  Doget  and  Steven  Gostlin, 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  155 

deliver  out  of  liis  hands  all  that  moitie  and  portion  of  the  said 
customary  lands  unto  the  said  John  Nutton  for  the  use  of  the 
said  John  Nutton  and  lus  heirs  and  assigns  forever  under  these 
conditions  here  expressed,  that  is  to  say,  that  If  the  said  John 
Nutton  his  heirs  or  assigns  doe  not  yearly  pay  or  cause  to  be 
paid  unto  Anne  Gale  the  daughter  of  William  Gale  or  her 
assigns  during  her  life,  thi-ee  pounds  four  shillings  of  lawful 
money  of  England  by  sixteen  shillings  every  quarter  of  the 
year,  the  first  payment  thereof  to  be  at  the  feast  of  the  nativity 
of  our  Lord  God  next  coming  after  the  date  hereof  and  so 
forth  every  quarter,  previous  or  within  fourteen  days  next  after 
every  of  the  said  days  of  payment  at  or  wltliin  the  church  porch 
of  the  parish  church  of  Groton  aforesaid,  that  then  this  estate 
shall  be  void  and  that  the  said  John  WInthrop  or  his  heirs  shall 
be  seized  of  and  in  the  said  moitie  and  portion  of  land  to  the 
only  use  and  behalfe  of  the  above  named  Anne  Gale  her  hehs 
and  assigns  to  be  holden  of  the  said  John  WInthrop  Ills  heirs  or 
assigns  of  the  manor  aforesaid,  by  the  rent  customs  and  services 
before  due  and  accustomed. 

"By  me  "John  Nutton.^ 

"Adajni  Westthrop 
John  Doget 

Steven  Gostlinge." 

This,  we  presume,  is  what  would  technically  be  called 
a  surrender  of  a  copyhold  estate  into  the  hands  of  the 
lord,  for  the  uses  therein  designated,  in  the  presence  of 
two  customary  tenants.  A  year  or  two  after  this  date, 
Adam  Winthrop,  the  father,  is  found  exercising  the 
powers  of  a  Coroner  at  Groton,  under  a  commission  ffom 
his  son,  as  lord  of  the  manor.  And  thus  we  have 
brought  down  the  story  of  Winthrop's  life  to  the  memo- 

1  A  fanuly  of  NewUms  -were  neighbors  of  the  Winthrops  at  Groton. 


156  LITE    AND    LETTERS 

rable  year  in  which  the  Pilgrim  Fathers  of  New  Eng- 
land abandoned  their  temporary  abode  in  Holland,  and 
embarked  in  the  "  Mayflower  "  on  the  voyage  which  ter- 
minated at  Plymouth  Rock.  We  have  found  no  evidence 
that  he  was  in  any  degree  interested  in  their  movements, 
or  even  aware  of  them ;  much  less  that  he  had  ever  con- 
templated the  idea  that  they  were  but  the  pioneers  in 
a  path  in  which  he  was  so  soon  to  follow. 


OF  JOHN  WTNTHROP.  157 


CHAPTER  Vni. 

WmXHEOP'S  LETTERS   TO  HIS  WIFE,  1620-1622. 

The  materials  for  our  Biography  of  John  Winthrop 
begin  now  to  grow  somewhat  less  sombre  in  their  cha- 
racter, and  to  present  featm-es  of  interest  less  purely 
domestic  or  rehgious.  He  could  never  have  imagined 
that  his  private  correspondence  would  be  preserved  for 
more  than  two  centuries  after  his  own  death,  to  be  pub- 
lished and  read  in  a  land  of  which,  at  the  time  when 
so  much  of  it  was  written,  he  knew  little  more  than  the 
existence.  But  so  it  has  happened.  From  the  memorable 
year  1620,  we  have  an  almost  unbroken  series  of  his 
letters,  with  rarely  an  interval  of  more  than  two  or 
three  months  between  them,  —  furnishing  the  most 
satisfactory  and  authentic  index  to  his  occupations, 
condition,  and  character.  Some  of  these  letters  have 
already  been  deciphered  and  printed  by  IMr.  Savage,  as 
an  Appendix  to  his  first  and  second  editions  of  Win- 
thi'op's  "History  of  New  England."  But  even  those 
have  hardly  had  a  fair  chance,  in  such  a  connection, 
to  attract  the  attention  to  which  they  are  entitled.  Few 
readers  look  for  any  thing  interesting  in  an  appendix, 
even  if  they  take  the  ti-ouble  to  examine  what  it  contains. 
Meantime,  many  other  letters  have  come  to  hght,  since 
this   Biography  was   taken   in   hand,  of  by  no  means 


158  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

inferior  value. ^  The-  whole  of  them  will  be  given,  in 
our  successive  chapters,  in  the  order  of  their  dates  or 
of  their  subjects,  and  in  the  full  confidence  that  they 
will  be  thought  worthy  of  preservation  and  of  perusal, 
not  merely  as  containing  frequent  allusions  to  the 
private  life  and  ch'cumstances  of  their  author  and  his 
family,  but  as  charming  specimens  of  the  epistolary 
style  of  "  auld  lang  syne."  The  simple  beauty  of  their 
language,  and  the  spirit  of  personal  tenderness  and 
pious  trust  in  which  they  were  composed,  cannot  fail 
of  being  appreciated  by  all  who  read  them.  Nor  have 
his  own  letters  alone  survived  the  lapse  of  centuries. 
Letters  of  his  wife,  and  of  more  than  one  of  his  chil- 
dren, are  also  left;  and  some  of  them,  certainly,  will 
be  found  worthy  of  a  place  on  the  same  page  with  his 
own.  It  would  not  be  easy,  we  think,  to  find  private 
domestic  correspondence  of  the  same  period,  or  indeed 
of  any  period,  which  would  better  bear  exposure,  or 
which  would  reflect  more  credit  on  the  character  of  the 
writers. 

We  begin  with  a  letter  to  his  wife,  of  Jan.  23,  1620, 
written  evidently  from  London,  though  there  is  no  place 
set  down  in  the  date.  It  will  be  remarked,  that  his 
stay  in  London  on  this  occasion  had  some  reference 
to  the  session  of  Parliament,  of  which  we  may  find  an 
explanation  hereafter. 


1  Of  the  ten  letters  from  Winthrop  to  his  wife,  given  in  this  chapter,  all  but  the  last 
one  are  new.  The  letters  published  for  the  first  time  in  this  work  maybe  distinguished 
from  those  taken  from  the  Appendix  to  the  History  of  New  England  by  the  fact  that 
the  spelling  of  the  latter  was  modernized  by  the  copyist.  It  has  not  been  thought 
important  to  restore  the  old  spelling ;  but  a  few  corrections  have  been  made  in  them, 
after  a  careful  comparison  with  the  originals. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  159 


John  Winihrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  my  xevje  lovinge  wife  Mrs.  Winthrop  at  Groton  in  Suffolk. 

"Mr  TRUELY  BELOVED  &  DEARE  wiEE, — I  salute  thee 
heartylye,  giving  thankes  to  God  who  bestowed  thee  upon  me, 
&■  hath  continued  thee  unto  me,  the  chiefest  of  all  comforts 
under  the  hope  of  Salvation,  which  hope  cannot  be  valued  :  I 
pray  God  that  these  earthly  blessings  of  mariage,  healthe, 
friendship,  etc,  may  increase  our  estimation  of  our  better  & 
onely  ever  duringe  happlnesse  in  heaven,  &  may  quicken  up 
our  appetite  thereunto  accordlnge  to  the  worth  thereof:  O  my 
sweet  wife,  let  us  rather  hearken  to  the  advise  of  our  lovinge 
Lord  who  calles  upon  us  first  to  seeke  the  kingdom  of  God,  & 
tells  us  that  one  tlilnge  is  needfull,  &  so  as  without  it  the  gaine 
of  the  whole  world  Is  nothinge  :  rather  then  to  looke  at  the 
frothye  wisdome  of  this  worlde  &  the  foollshnesse  of  such 
examples  as  propounde  outAvarde  prosperitye  for  true  felicltye. 
—  God  keepe  us  that  we  never  swallowe  this  balte  of  Sathan  : 
but  let  us  looke  unto  the  worde  of  God  &  cleave  fast  unto  it, 
&  so  shall  we  be  safe. 

"  I  know  you  have  heard  before  this  of  my  coining  to  Lon- 
don :  I  thank  God  we  had  a  prosperous  journye  &  found  all 
well  where  we  came  :  I  doubt  not  but  thy  desire  wllbe  now  to 
heare  of  my  returne,  which  (to  deale  truely  with  thee)  I  fear 
will  not  be  untill  the  middest  of  next  weeke  :  for  the  Parl^  Is 
putt  off  for  a  week ;  &  I  have  many  friends  to  visit  in  a  short 
tyme  :  but  my  heart  is  allready  with  thee  &  thy  little  lambes, 
so  as  I  will  hasten  home  with  what  convenient  speed  I  may  : 
In  the  meane  tyme,  I  will  not  be  unmindful!  of  you  all :  but 
commend  you  dayly  to  the  blessinge  &  protection  of  our  heaven- 
ly Father. 

"The  newes  from  Bohemia  is  very  badd,  as  that  there  Is  a 
generall  defection  from  the  Kinge  of  Bohemia  &c :  Secretary 
Nanton  is  commanded  to  keepe  his  howse  :  the  King  is  gone 
to  Theobalds  &  many  wilbe  idle  untill  he  returne. 


160  LIFE   AISTD   LETTERS 

"  Remember  my  dutye  to  my  father  &  mother,  my  love  to 
Mr.  Sands  &  all  the  rest  of  my  true  freinds  that  shall  ask  of 
me,  &  my  blessing  to  our  Children  ;  &  so  giving  thee  commis- 
sion to  conceive  more  of  my  Love  then  I  can  write,  I  rest 

"  Thy  faythfuU  husbande  "  John  Winthrop. 

"  My  brother  salutes  you  all. 
"Jan.  23  1620. 

"My  brother  Tindall  &  my  sister  wilbe  at  Groton  before 
Lente  (if  God  will),  there  would  be  some  fowles  provided  & 
some  Ale  etc." 

Five  or  six  months  after  the  date  of  the  letter  just 
given,  Winthrop  having,  in  the  mean  time,  returned  to 
Groton,  his  w^ife  w^as  called  av\^ay  to  her  old  home,  in 
Essex  County,  by  the  illness  of  her  mother  (Lady  Tyn- 
dal),  v^^hither  she  is  soon  followed  by  the  second  letter 
of  our  series. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  lovinge  friende  M"  Winthrop  at  Chelmsey  House  ^  in  Great 
Maplested,  Essex. 

"My  deare  wife, — I  beseeche  the  Lorde  of  good  God 
to  blesse  thee  &  thy  little  babe  w*'^  all  spirituall  blessings  in 
heavenly  things,  &  w*^  a  comfortable  supplye  of  all  things 
needfull  for  this  present  life,  w*'^  such  a  portion  of  the  true 
wisdome  as  may  cause  us  allwayes  to  discerne  of  the  worthe  & 
excellencie  of  Ch*  Jesus,  to  take  him  as  o^  onely  portion,  &  to 
love  him  w**^  all  of  heart,  as  of  best  thanke  offeringe  for  his 
unspeakeable  love  &  mercie  in  redeeminge  us  from  of  sinnes  by 
his  owne  death,  &  adop tinge  us  into  the  right  of  the  inherit- 
ance of  his  fathers  Kingdome.  To  him  be  glory  &  prayse  for 
ever.  Amen. 

"Albeit  I  canot  conveniently  come  to  thee  yet,  I  could  not 

1  Morant,  in  his  History  of  Essex,  calls  it  Chelmslioo  House. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  161 

.  » 

but  sende  to  knowe  how  thou  doest,  &  in  what  state  thy  good 
mother  continueth,  w*'"  the  rest  of  of  freinds  :  That  w'^'^  we 
nowe  foresee  &  feare  in  hir,^  we  must  looke  to  come  to  of 
selves,  &  then  neither  freinds  nor  goods,  pleasure  nor  honor, 
will  stande  us  in  any  stead,  onely  a  good  conscience  sprinkled 
w**'  the  blood  of  CW  shall  give  us  peace  w**^  God  &  of  owne 
sowles. 

"We  are  all  heer  in  good  health  (I  prayse  God)  yet  not 
well  contented  untill  thou  returnest  to  Groton,  but  I  will  not 
hasten  to  abridge  thy  deare  mother  of  that  comfort  w*^'^  she  may 
receive  in  thy  companie.  My  sweet  spouse,  let  us  delight  in 
the  love  of  cache  other  as  the  chiefe  of  all  eartlily  comforts  : 
&  labour  to  increase  therein  by  the  constant  experience  of 
cache  others  faithfulnesse  &  sinceritye  of  affection,  formed  into 
the  similitude  of  the  Love  of  Ch*  &  his  Churche,  Looke  for 
me  on  thursday  or  friday  (if  God  will)  &  remember  me  to  thy 
good  mother  &  all  j?  rest  as  thou  knowest  my  dutye  &  desires, 
etc.  My  parents  salute  thee ;  many  kisses  of  Love  I  sende 
thee:  farewell.  [John  Wintheop.] 

"  July  12.  1620." 

And  here  is  another  letter,  addressed  to  his  wife  while 
she  was  pacing  the  same  or  another  visit  at  "  Muche 
Maplested."  It  has  no  date  of  time  or  place ;  but  was 
evidently  written  from  Groton,  and  probably  in  the 
course  of  this  same  year  1620. 

Joh7i  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  verye  lovinge  "Wife  Mrs.  Winthrop  at  Muche  Maplested  in 

Essex." 

"My  sweet  wife,  — I  beseeche  of  good  God  to  blesse  thee 
ever.     I  am  gladd  to  heare  of  thy  welfare,  &  doe  think  very 


1  The  Lady  Tyndal  died  eight  days  after  this  letter  was  written,  20th  July,  1620. 

21 


162  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

longe  to  see  thee,  but  I  must  now  staye  untill  a  convenient 
tyme.  Tomorrow  Mf  Sands  preachetlie  w*'^  us,  &  if  I  should 
be  from  home  I  knowe  not  ho  we  some  would  take  it,  but  my 
purpose  was  to  have  come  to  thee  in  the  afternoone,  till  I  con- 
sidered that  you  would  not  be  conveniently  lodged  by  reason 
of  thy  brother  Arth  :  sicknesse  (although  for  my  parte  any 
would  content  me) ,  so  as  I  thinke  fit'ter  to  come  on  Wensdaye 
morninge,  &  so  to  goe  dine  at  Dines  hall  ^  &  home  in  the  after- 
noone, for  I  must  of  necessitye  be  at  home  on  thursdaye, 
because  I  must  meet  Mr  Gurdon  at  Boxford  in  the  morninge, 
&  after  dinner  my  sister  Luce  must  ride  to  M"  Bacons.  I 
praye  God  send  us  a  comfortable  meetinge,  &  a  prosperous 
iornye,  w'^'^  he  will  surely  doe,  if  we  depende  on  him,  w**^  reso- 
lution to  be  stirred  up  by  his  benefits  to  love  &  serve  him 
better,  O  what  great  cause  have  we  to  love  him  above  thou- 
sands whose  portion  in  all  good  things  is  farre  inferio'"  to  o""^  ! 
althoughe  this  alone  were  sufficient  to  enforce  us  to  love  him 
w*"^  all  our  hearts,  that  he  hath  redeemed  us  from  hell,  & 
appointed  us  to  eternall  happinesse,  when  we  were  as  deeply 
under  the  curse  as  the  most  reprobate.  Let  of  prayer  be  (my 
good  wife)  that  he  would  quicken  up  the  faithe  &  feelinge  of 
these  things  in  us,  that  at  lengthe  we  might  come  to  take  as 
muche  delight  in  the  meditation  &  exercise  of  heavenly  things, 
as  the  most  covetous  earthlinge  dothe  in  his  lands  &  goods. 

"  Thy  lovinge  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"Till  we  meet,  farewell  my  sweet  wife.  If  I  should  not 
fetche  thee  untill  thou  didst  write  me  for  that  ende,  I  mervaile 
how  longe  thou  wouldst  stay  there. 

"  ffather,  mother,  etc,  coinend  their  love  to  thee  &  all  the 
rest,  remember  my  dutye  &  love  as  thou  knowest,  etc.  My 
mother  ha  the  been  ill  at  ease  ever  since  thou  wentest,  but  is 
now  better,  I  prayse  God." 


1  Dynes  Hall,  the  principal  manor  of  Little  Maplestead,  then  the  seat  of  Sir  John 
Deane,  a  son  of  Lady  Tyndal  by  her  first  husband. 


OF   JOHN  TVINTHROP.  163 

The  two  next  letters  were  written  from  London  during; 
the  following  year,  with  only  a  day's  interval  between 
them ;  and  then  we  have  a  third,  written  after  his  return 
to  Groton,  and  when  his  wife  had  again  gone  to  visit 
her  relatives  in  Essex. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  most  lovinge  &  deare  wife.  M"  Marg*  Winthrop  at  Groton  in 

Suffolk. 

"My  dearly  beloved  Wife,  — the  blessinge  of  of  heaven- 
ly father  be  upon  thee  &  all  o''^ :  &  he  who  hath  preserved  & 
prospered  us  hitherto,  w*'^out  of  meritts  of  his  free  goodnesse, 
continue  us  In  his  favour,  &  the  comfort  of  each  others  Love, 
unto  of  last  &  most  happle  change.  I  trust  by  the  blessinge 
of  God  to  be  restored  safe  to  thee  on  Saturdaye  next :  for  my 
heart  Is  at  home,  &  specially  w**^  thee  my  best  beloved,  yet  the 
businesse  I  came  for  Is  come  to  no  passe,  &  there  is  cause  to 
feare  lest  It  will  not  be  effected  this  week :  therefore  be  not 
over  confident  of  my  returne  untUl  tuesdaye  next  weeke :  but 
I  hope  I  shall  write  to  thee  agalne  If  I  be  likely  to  staye.  Of 
frelnds  heere  are  all  in  healthe  :  I  am  much  strelghtened  In 
tjnne,  &  therefore  canot  satlsfye  my  selfe  in  writlnge  as  I  desire, 
gather  the  rest  out  of  thyne  owne  falthfull  assurance  of  my 
Love :  so  w*'*  the  SAveetest  kisses,  &  pure  Imbraclnges  of  my 
kindest  affection  I  rest 

"Thine  "John  Winthrop. 

"Remember  my  dutye  to  parents  &  lovelnge  salutations  to 
suche  good  frelnds  as  thou  knowest  I  desire,  etc. 
"  London.  May  9  :  1621. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"Most  deare  &  lovtnge  Wife,  —  I  wrote  unto  thee  by 
or  neighbo''  Cole,  belnge  then  uncertalne  of  my  returne,  yet  I 
hoped  to  have  been  w***  thee  on  Saterday  but  It  so  fallethe  out, 
that  I  am  Inforced  to  staye  except  I  should  leave  my  sister 


164  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

Goldinge  ^  destitute,  &  the  businesse  I  came  for  w*out  effecte, 
w*'^  I  cannot  now  falle  w*'^  comforte  &  good  reporte.  There- 
fore I  must  intreat  thy  gentle  patience  untill  this  businesse  be 
dispatched,  w*""  I  hope  wilbe  betymes  the  next  weeke.  In  the 
meane  tyme  thou  art  well  persuaded  that  my  heart  is  w*^  thee, 
as  (I  know)  tliine  is  w"'  him  to  whom  thou  hast  given  thyselfe, 
a  faithfull  &  lovinge  yokefellowe  :  who  truely  prising  this  gifte 
as  the  greatest  earthly  blessing,  provokes  thy  Love  to  abounde 
in  those  fruits  of  mutuall  kindnesse,  etc,  that  may  adde  a  day- 
lye  increase  of  comfort  &  sweet  content  in  tliis  happinesse.  I 
would  willingly  offer  a  request  unto  thee,  w'^^  yet  I  will  not 
urge  (not  knowing  what  inconveniences  may  lye  in  the  waye) 
but  it  would  be  very  gratefuU  to  me  to  meet  thee  at  M^plested 
on  Wensday  next,  but  be  it  as  God  shall  guide  thy  heart  &  the 
opportunity e.  It  is  now  neere  XI  of  the  clocke  &  tyme  to 
sleepe,  therefore  I  must  ende.  The  Lord  oF  heavenly  father 
bless  &  keepe  thee  &  all  0'%  &  let  this  salutation  serve  for  aU, 
for  I  know  not  how  safe  a  messinger  I  shall  have  for  these. 
Remember  my  dutye  &  Love  as  thou  knowest  how  to  bestowe 
them,     farewell, 

"Thine  "John  Wlnthrop. 

"  I  send  thee  divers  things  by  Wells  in  a  trusse. 
"Mai  10:  1621." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  my  very  lovinge  wife  M"  Winthrop  at  Muche  Maplested,  Essex. 

"My  deare  &  LOVINGE  Wife, — I  am  exceedingly 
streightened  in  tyme,  throughe  the  suddaine  opportunitye  of 
sendinge  this  messinger,  yet  I  could  not  but  write  unto  thee  as 
I  maye.  God  be  blessed,  I  came  home  in  peace  &  found  all 
very  well,  &  so  we  continue,  &  I  hope  we  shall  all  meet  In 
peace  &  comfort  on  friday.     I  have  sent  a  horse  for  my  uncle. 


This  is  plainly  Goldinge  in  the  original ;  though  I  know  of  no  such  sister. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  165 

Thus  with  most  hearty  remembrsince  of  my  fond  &  falthfull 
love  to  thee,  I  comende  thee  (to  the  Lord)  who  blesse  &  directe 
us  allwayes  &  all  of  children. 

"  Thine  as  his  owne  "  John  Winthrop. 

"Remember  me  very   kindlye  to  all  as   thou   knowest  my 
desire  ;    my  parents  salute  thee  &  thine. 
"June  27:  1621." 

The  next  letter,  in  the  order  of  date,  was  addressed, 
diu'ing  the  same  year,  to  his  brother-m-law,  Thomas 
Fones.  The  fhst  wife  of  Fones,  Anna  Wmthi'op,  had 
died  t^vo  years  and  a  half  before  this  time  (May  16, 
1619);  and  he  had  been  married  again,  Aug.  28,  1621, 
to  Priscilla,  daughter  of  E,ev.  John  Bm-gis,  D.D.^  Fones 
seems  now  to  have  been  suffering  from  a  long  illness, 
and  Wmthrop  writes  him  a  letter  of  congratulation  on 
his  incipient  recovery. 

John  Winthrop  to  Thomas  Fones. 

"  To  my  very  lovinge  Brother  Mr.  fFones  at  the  three  fawnes  in  the  old 
Bayly,- London. 

"My  good  Brother, — I  received  your  lovinge  lettre,  & 
doe  prayse  God  for  that  beginninge  of  yoF  recoverye,  &  the 
good  health  of  the  rest  of  yoF  familye.  I  hope  the  Lord  will 
now  visite  you  in  his  riche  mercie,  &  doe  you  good  &  com- 
forte  you  accordinge  to  all  the  evill  w'^'^  you  have  endured  :  He 
hath  shewed  you  great  trobles  &  adversities,  but  he  will  re- 
turne  &  receive  you,  &c,  to  the  ioye  &  strengthening  of  yof 
Faith,  &  the  ray  singe  up  the  heart  of  my  good  sister,  w^**,  I 
knowe,  hath  suffered  much  discomfort  in  yo'  longe  troubles, 
ffor  o'  selves,  the  Lo  :  continues  very  gratious  towards  us, 
blessed  be  his  holy  name :  my  wife  is  sitting  up  againe,  &  I 

1  Old  MS.  pedigree  of  the  Foues  Family,  lately  found  among  the  Winthrop  papers. 


166  LIFE   A]S[D  LETTEES 

trust  shalbe  restored  to  Mr  former  health  in  due  tyme.  We 
might  rejoyce  greatly  in  of  owne  private  good,  if  the  sence  of 
the  present  evill  tymes,  &  the  feare  of  worse  did  not  give  occa- 
sion of  sorrowe.  The  Lo  :  look  mercifully  upon  this  sinfull 
lande,  &  turne  us  to  him  by  some  repentance,  otherwise  we 
may  feare  it  hath  scene  the  best  dayes.  I  will  write  no  more 
at  this  tyme,  being  (as  yet)  to  seeke  of  a  messinger  for  these. 
Let  us  stUl  continue  mindfull  of  each  other  in  of  prayers,  & 
the  confirminge  of  o'^'  mutuall  Love,  for  it  may  meet  w*'^  tryalls. 
Thus  w*?  all  our  lovinge  salutations  to  yofselfe,  my  good  sister 
&  little  cosins,  I  commende  you  to  the  grace  &  peace  of  the 
Lo  :  Jesus,  &  wUl  rest  alwayes 

"Yof  lovinge  brother        "John  Winthkop. 
"Jan^  29,  1621. 

"My  receipt  of  Hand  is  due  this  terme,  I  pray  let  one  of  yof 
folkes  pay  it  for  me. 

"I  pray  send  us  a  little  of  yof  Juice  of  Liquorice." 

We  proceed  to  give  three  more  letters  to  his  wife,  two 
of  them  written  in  April,  and  the  third  in  October,  of 
the  succeeding  year ;  or  rather  of  the  same  year,  allow- 
ing for  the  change  of  style.  The  two  fkst  of  them 
were  midoubtedly  written  while  Winthrop  had  gone  to 
attend  the  wedding  of  his  sister  Lucy,  whose  marriage 
to  Emanuel  Downmg  is  recorded  as  having  taken  place 
on  the  10th  of  AprU,  1622. 

Joh7i  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  Deare  Wife, — I  prayse  God,  we  are  come  safe  to 
Londo,  where  we  finde  all  well.  We  are  now  at  Redrife  at.  a 
kinsmans  of  my  brother  Downings,  where  we  are  most  kindly 
entertained :  we  have  ofte  wished  thee  with  us,  but  wishes  are 
vaine  :  I  trust,  God  will  give  us  to  meet  againe  shortly e  in 
peace  &  sweet  comfort,  in  the  fruition  of  of  mutuall  Love ; 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  167 

in  the  meane  tyme  let  this  staye  of  hearts,  that  no  distance  of 
place  or  space  of  tyme  can  sever  us,  in  respect  of  of  true  & 
fervent  affections  to  each  other ;  whereof  every  occaslo  shall 
give  us  more  assurance.  I  am  too  much  streightened  in 
tyme  to  Avrite  to  hir  whom  I  love  so  dearly  (it  beinge  now  XI 
of  the  clock  tliis  tuesday  night)  ;  thy  kind  heart  must  gather 
a  great  deale  of  matter  from  a  fewe  scribled  Hues,  I  will  adde 
no  more,  but  beseech  the  Lo  :  to  blesse  thee  &  all  of  younge 
ones,  &  send  us  a  ioyfuU  meetinge.  Remember  my  dutye  to 
parents  &  Love  to  all  whom  thou  shalt  think  fitt :  my  brother 
Downing  &  sister  salute  thee  most  kindly  etc.  farewell  my 
sweet  wife,  farewell. 

"  Thy  faithfull  lovlnge  husband         "  John  Winthkop. 

"Rederife,  April  9.  1622." 

John   Winthrop  to  his   Wife. 

"My  deare  wife,  —  albeit  I  am  now  coininge  towards 
thee,  yet  that  thou  may  est  knowe  that  I  am  allwayes  mindfull 
of  thee,  I  woidd  take  every  opportunitye  of  confirminge  thy 
good  assurance  of  it,  desmnge  to  offer  some  such  refreshinge 
to  thy  minde,  as  may  prepare  a  cheerefull  countenance  for  my 
welcome  to  thee.  I  prayse  God,  we  are  all  in  health,  and 
prosper  well  in  of  affaires  hetherto  :  &  doe  hope  in  the  Lo  :  for 
a  safe  returne.  Let  us  labour  to  gett  a  thankfull  heart  to  him 
for  his  free  love  &  constant  bounty  towards  us  &  o'"^  I  heare 
by  this  bearer  J  :  Go  :  that  thy  selfe  &  all  o"  are  in  health  & 
I  prayse  of  good  Lo  :  for  it,  but  thy  lettre  miscaried  by  the 
waye.  Thy  Love  in  my  kinde  welcome  shall  supplye  all :  The 
Lo  :  blesse  thee  &  thy  little  laines  &  send  us  a  comfortable 
meetinge  at  Groton  &  at  last  to  meet  in  of  Fathers  house  in 
heaven  :  farewell  my  sweet  wife 

"  Thy  faithfull  lovinge  husband         "  John  Winthrop. 

"  Take  &  imparte  salutations  &  dutyfull  remembrances  from 
all  of  us  to  whom  thou  knowest. 
"Lo>JDOX.  Aprill  18  1622." 


168  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

John   Winflirop  to  his   Wife. 

"Mt  sweet  Wife, — Blessed  be  God,  by  whose  provi- 
dence and  protection  I  am  come  safe  to  London,  Here  I  find 
them  all  in  health,  and  a  great  deal  of  kind  welcome.  Only 
thy  company  is  wanting,  wliich  they  much  desire. 

"I  doubt  my  brother's  coming  to  Ipswich  will  be  deferred 
till  the  spring ;  for  Mr.  Hore  (who  should  hire  liis  house)  and 
he  are  broken  oflP.  Thus  man  purposeth,  but  God  disposeth. 
Oh  that  we  could  learn  at  length  to  trust  his  wisdom,  love, 
power,  etc.,  and  cast  our  care  upon  him,  and  leave  our  own 
carnal  wisdom,  fear,  confidence,  etc  !  Then  should  it  go  well 
with  us  assuredly.  Then  should  we  have  our  rest  in  that  true 
peace  which  passeth  understanding.  But  it  is  our  wretched 
infidelity  that  keeps  good  things  from  us.  Let  us,  therefore, 
pray  earnestly,  and  labor  for  this  precious  faith  :  it  will  recom- 
pense all  our  cost. 

"For  such  news  as  is  here,  this  bearer  can  sufficiently  inform 
you,  and  so  may  spare  my  labor ;  and,  besides,  I  am  hasted 
into  the  city  about  my  business.  When  I  shall  return,  I  cannot 
yet  tell ;  but  thy  love  will  make  me  lose  no  time.  Therefore, 
for  the  present,  with  my  brother's  and  sister's  kind  salutations 
to  thee  and  to  my  parents,  to  whom  I  commend  my  love  and 
duty,  I  heartUy  commend  thee  and  our  little  ones  and  all  our 
family  to  the  gracious  protection  and  blessing  of  the  Lord.  So 
I  rest 

"Thy  faithful,  loving  husband,  "John  Winthrop. 

"London,  Oct.  19,  1622." 

We  may  conclude  this  chapter  with  a  letter  from  the 
Rev.  Henry  Sands,  the  venerable  pastor  whose  name  so 
often  occurs  in  Wmthrop's  early  Experiences,  and  whose 
death  will  be  found  particularly  noticed  at  a  later  date. 
It  gives  a  pleasant  impression  of  the  writer,  and  proves 
how  much  Winthrop  was  rehed  upon  in  the  church- 
affairs  of  his  neighborhood. 


OF   JOHN   WESTTHROP.  169 


Henry  Sands  to  John  Winihrop. 

"To  mj  Worship"  well-aproved  good  friend  Mr.  John  Wintrop  at 
Honton  Hall  (?)  these. 

"  Sir,  —  I  do  understand  that  Stoke  Vicarage  is  not  yet  given. 
It  is  a  great  parish.  I  do  fro  my  hart  persuade  my  selfe  that 
at  Naylond  would  be  a  good  Church  of  God  if  they  had  a  good 
minister.  Theare  is  one  or  two.  There  is  one  Mf  Watson 
felow  of  Trinitie  Colledge.  I  take  the  next  yere  to  be  his  yere 
of  Bachelo'  of  Divinitie.  A  Gentleman  borne,  hath  of  his 
owne  some  xx  or  xxx^  a  yere.  A  ma  of  gret  lerning  for  his 
lyme  &  verie  quiet.  Theare  is  another,  one  Mr.  Gilgate,  sonne 
unto  M""  Gilgate  that  dwelt  at  Langham,  one  whome  I  thinke 
M""  Manocke  knew  &  a  verie  quiet  honest  ma.  A  sufficient 
scholer.  A  bachelo""  &  so  I  thinke  it  may  be  he  will  contynue, 
for  he  is  of  some  good  resonable  yeres.  Let  me  intreat  yo"* 
end"^  in  the  affection  that  I  know  yo*^  beare  to  the  Churche  of 
God  to  look  into  it  &  help.  If  extremitie  of  buisnes  had  not 
hinderd  I  woidd  haue  bene  w^  yo"  afore  this  tyme  &  I  purpose 
afore  weekes  be  ended  to  come  to  yo'^.  In  the  meane  tyme  the 
thing  is  p'sently  to  be  done.  Let  me  intreat  importunitie  to 
the  uttermost  you  can.  I  pitie  the  Church.  The  Lord  stirre 
up  all  o''  harts  to  love  it  &  labo'  for  the  good  of  it.  I  take  my 
leave  thus  hastely  this  hande  being  wearie.  Coin  ending  my 
selfe  to  yo""  owne  selfe  &  M"^  Wintrop,  Not  forgetting  M"* 
Hanna, 

"  Yo'  Worships  exceedingly  behoulding  to  you 

"Hen.  Sands." 


22 


170  LITE   AND   LETTERS 


CHAPTER  IX. 

LETTEES    TO    HIS    SON   AT    TRINITY    COLLEGE,    DUBLIN;    DEATH  OF 
HIS  FATHER;    AND  LETTERS   OF  FORTH  WLNTHROP. 

We  turn  now  to  another  correspondent  of  Winthrop's, 
—  his  eldest  son,  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  afterwards  the 
Governor  of  Connecticut.  He  had  been  prepared  for 
coUesre  at  the  somewhat  celebrated  Free  Grammar 
School,  at  Bury  St.  Edmund's,  founded  by  Edward  VI. 
in  1550,  and  which  has  maintained  a  high  reputation 
to  the  present  day.  Among  its  distinguished  pupils 
within  the  last  half-century,  it  boasts  of  Lord  Cranworth, 
the  late  Lord  Chancellor  of  England,  and  of  Dr.  Blom- 
field,  the  late  Bishop  of  London,  —  whose  armorial 
shields  have  recently  been  suspended  on  the  walls  of  its 
principal  hall.^  The  younger  Wuithrop  was  now  (1622) 
in  the  seventeenth  year  of  his  age ;  and  was  a  student 
at  Trinity  College,  Dublin,^  where  he  remained  for  seve- 
ral years,  and  is  believed  to  have  been  graduated  in  due 
course.  The  letters  addressed  to  him  by  his  father  at 
this  period  are  models  of  old-fashioned  paternal  advice 
and  affectionate  counsel.     It  would  be  difficult,  indeed. 


1  I  saw  them  when  I  visited  the  school  in  July,  1859,  in  company  with  the  Rt.  Hon. 
and  Rev.  Lord  Arthur  Hervey,  now  the  Archdeacon  of  Sudbury. 

2  This  institution,  founded  in  1591,  had  received  a  charter  in  1613  from  James  I., 
with  all  the  privileges  of  a  University,  and  with  an  endowment  which  secured  its  pros- 
perity and  permanence. 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  171 

to  find  a  nobler  illustration  of  the  apostolic  injunction  to 
pai'ents,  that  they  should  "  bring  up  thek  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,"  than  in.  these 
letters  of  John  Winthrop  to  his  son. 

They  deal  mainly  with  domestic  events,  and  requhe 
little  explanation  or  comment.  One  of  them  furnishes 
an  idea  of  Winthrop's  pecuniary  circumstances,  by  his 
proposal  to  allow  thhty  pounds  per  annum,  or  more  "  if 
occasion  be,"  for  his  son's  expenses  at  college,  —  no 
inconsiderable  sum,  we  imagine,  for  those  days.-^  An- 
other suggests  that  he  was  not  altogether  contented  with 
his  condition  in  England  in  1623,  by  the  expression  in 
a  postscript,  "  I  wish  oft  God  would  open  a  way  to  settle 
us  m  Ireland,  if  it  might  be  for  his  glory  there."  His 
thoughts  had  evidently  not  yet  been  tui'ned  towards 
America ;  and  perhaps  the  expression  only  meant,  that 
he  was  disposed  to  settle  where  some  of  his  family  were 
already  hving,  and  where  his  son  was  at  college.  An- 
other of  these  letters  contains  the  account  of  the  death 
of  Wuithrop's  father  at  the  age  of  seventy-five,  with  this 
beautiful  tiibute  to  his  memory :  "  He  hath  finished  his 
course  ;  and  is  gathered  to  his  people  in  peace,  as  the  ripe 
corn  into  the  bam.  He  thought  long  for  the  day  of  his 
dissolution,  and  welcomed  it  most  gladly.  Thus  is  he  gone 
before  ;  and  we  must  go  after,  in  oru:  time.  This  advan- 
tage he  hath  of  us,  —  he  shall  not  see  the  evil  which  we 
may  meet  with  ere  we  go  hence.     Happy  those  who 


1  Prof.  Masson  says,  Milton's  father  must  have  made  up  his  mind,  in  sending  his 
son  to  Cambridge,  to  pay  fifty  pounds  a  year,  in  the  money  of  that  day,  for  the  expenses 
of  his  maintenance  there.  There  was  some  difference,  probably,  between  Cambridge 
and  Dublin.  —  Lift  of  MilUm,  vol.  i.  p.  77,  Am.  ed. 


172  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

stand  in  good  terms  with  God  and  their  own  conscience : 
they  shall  not  fear  evil  tidings ;  and  m  all  changes  they 
shall  be  the  same." 

AU  the  letters  alike  bear  testimony  to  the  satisfaction 
which  Winthrop  enjoyed  in  the  character  and  conduct 
of  his  son  at  coUege,  and  how  glad  he  was  to  hear  that 
this  "  dutiful  and  weU-deserving  child "  "  declined  the 
evil  company  and  manners  of  the  place  he  lived  in,  and 
followed  his  study  with  good  fruit."  The  younger  John 
Winthrop  gave  early  indication  of  that  purity  of  life, 
and  devotedness  of  purpose,  which  made  him  so  distin- 
guished in  after-years;  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that 
none  of  his  answers  to  his  father's  letters  during  his 
college-life  have  been  preserved.  If,  however,  they  were 
aU  written  in  Latin,  —  as  we  find,  from  his  father's 
rephes,  that  some  of  them  were,  —  they  will  be  the  less 
missed  by  the  general  reader. 

We  proceed  with  the  father's  letters  in  their  order :  ^  — 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  beloved  son,  Jolin  Winthrop,  at  the  College  in  Dublin. 

"  Deae  Son,  —  Though  I  have  received  no  letters  yet  from 
you,  I  cannot  pass  by  any  opportunity,  without  some  testimony 
of  my  fatherly  affection,  and  care  of  your  welfare ;  for  which 
respect  I  am  content  to  have  you  absent  from  me  in  so  far 
a  distance  :  for  I  know,  that,  in  respect  of  yourself,  patria  ubi- 
cunque  bene;  and,  in  respect  of  the  Almighty,  his  power  and 
providence  is  alike  in  all  places  ;  and,  for  mine  own  comfort,  it 
shall  be  in  your  prosperity  and  well-doing  wheresoever. 


1  All  the  letters  in  this  chapter,  except  the  five  last,  are  in  the  Appendix  to  the 
History  of  New  England. 


or  JOHN  wmTHEOP.  173 

"Because  I  cannot  so  oft  put  you  in  mind  of  those  things 
which  concern  your  good  as  if  you  were  nearer  to  me,  it  must 
be  your  care  the  better  to  observe  and  ruminate  those  instruc- 
tions which  I  give  you,  and  the  better  to  apply  the  other  good 
means  which  you  have.  Especially  labor,  by  all  means,  to 
imprint  in  yoiu'  heart  the  fear  of  God  ;  and  let  not  the  fearful 
profanencss  and  contempt  of  ungodly  men  diminish  the  reverent 
a'nd  awful  regard  of  his  Great  Majesty  in  your  heart.  But 
remember  still,  that  the  time  is  at  hand  when  they  shall  call 
the  [mountains  to]  hide  them  from  the  face  of  Him  whom  now 
they  slight  and  neglect,  &c.  • 

"  I  have  written  to  you  more  largely  by  one  Mr.  Southwell, 
and  now  am  at  little  leisure.  When  you  write  back,  let  me 
know  the  state  of  your  college,  &c.,  and  how  you  like,  &c.  ; 
and  remember  my  love  to  your  reverend  tutor.  Your  grand- 
father, grandmother,  and  mother  salute  and  bless  you.  Your 
brothers  and  sister  are  in  health  (I  praise  God) .  The  Lord, 
in  mercy,  season  your  heart  with  his  grace,  and  keep  you  from 
the  lusts  of  youth  and  the  evil  of  the  times.  So  I  rest 
"  Your  loving  father, 

"John  Winthrop. 

"Groton,  Aug.  6,  1622." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  beloved  son,  John  Winthrop,  at  the  College  near  Dublin. 

"My  beloved  Son,  —  I  beseech  the  Lord  to  bless  thee 
with  grace  and  peace.  I  give  him  thanks  for  thy  welfare  ;  and 
hope,  through  his  mercy,  that  this  infirmity  which  is  now  upon 
thee  shall  turn  to  thy  health.  I  received  two  letters  from  thee, 
written  (I  perceive)  in  haste ;  but  they  were  welcome  to  me 
and  the  rest,  to  your  grandmother,  mother,  &c. ,  who  all  rejoice 
in  your  good  liking.  I  sent  you  two  letters  a  good  while 
since  ;  which  I  hope  will  not  miscarry,  though  they  be  long  in 
going.  The  further  you  are  from  me,  the  more  careful  I  am  of 
your  welfare,  both  in  body  and  soul ;  the  chief  means  where- 
of lyeth  in  your  own  endeavor.     Your  friends  may  pray  for 


174  WFE    AND   LETTERS 

you  and  counsel  you ;  but  your  own  diligence  and  watchfulness 
must  be  added  to  make  you  blessed.  God  bath  provided  you 
a  liberal  portion  of  outward  good  things.  You  must  labor  to 
use  them  soberly ;  and  to  consider  that  your  happiness  lieth 
not  in  meat,  drink,  and  bodily  refreshings,  but  in  the  favor  of 
God  for  your  part  in  a  better  life.  I  purpose  to  send  you,  by 
this  bearer,  such  books  as  you  writ  for :  only  Aristotle  I  can- 
not, because  your  uncle  Fones  is  not  at  London  to  buy  it,  arid 
I  know  not  whether  you  would  have  Latin  or  Greek.  I  pur- 
pose also  to  send  you  some  cloth  for  a  govm  and  suit ;  but,  for 
a  study-gown,  you  were  best  buy  some  coarse  Irish  cloth.  I 
shall  (if  God  will)  write  to  you  again  by  Mr.  Olmsted.  For 
the  carriage  of  such  things  as  I  send  you  by  John  Nutton,  you 
must  remember  to  pay  him,  because  I  cannot  tell  here  what 
they  will  come  to.  I  have  written  to  your  uncle  to  send  over 
my  gelding.  If  you  see  that  he  forget  it,  you  may  put  him  in 
mind.  Your  grandfather  and  grandmother  will  write  to  you. 
Your  mother  salutes  you  with  her  blessings.  We  are  all  in 
health  (I  praise  God).  Remember  my  love  to  your  good 
tutor.  The  Lord  in  mercy  bless  and  keep  you,  and  direct  and 
prosper  your  study.     Amen.     So  I  rest 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  John  Winthrop. 

"  Groton,  Aug.  31,  1622." 

John,  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  beloved  son,  John  Winthrop,  at  Trinity  College,  in  Dublin, 

Ireland. 

"  My  dearly  beloved  Son,  —  I  do  usually  begin  and  end 
my  letters  with  that  which  I  would  have  the  A  and  Q  of  all  thy 
thoughts  and  endeavors  :  viz. ,  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty  to 
be  upon  thee,  not  after  the  common  valuation  of  God's  bless- 
ings, like  the  warming  of  the  sun  to  a  hale,  stirring  body ; 
but  that  blessing  which  Faith  finds  in  the  sweet  promises  of 
God  and  his  free  favor,  whereby  the  soul  hath  a  place  of  joy 
and  refuge  in  all  storms  of  adversity.     I  beseech  the  Lord  to 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  175 

open  thine  eyes,  that  thou  mayest  see  the  riches  of  this  grace, 
which  will  abate  the  account  of  all  earthly  vanities ;  and,  if 
it  please  Inm  to  give  thee  once  a  taste  of  the  sweetness  of  the 
true  wisdom  which  is  from  above,  it  will  season  thy  studies, 
and  give  a  new  temper  to  thy  soul.  Remember,  therefore, 
what  the  wisest  saith  :  '  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning 
of  wisdom.'  Lay  this  foundation,  and  thou  shalt  be  wise 
indeed. 

"  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  you  like  so  well  in  Ireland. 
If  your  profiting  in  learning  may  be  answerable,  it  will  much 
increase  my  comfort.  I  was  not  greatly  troubled  to  hear 
that  your  body  did  break  out ;  but  rather  occasioned  to  bless 
God,  that  sent  you  so  good  a  means  of  future  health.  I  must 
needs  acknowledge  the  great  care  and  kindness  of  your  uncle 
and  aunt  towards  you.  It  may  be  much  to  your  good,  if  you 
be  careful  to  make  right  use  of  it,  as  I  hope  you  do  ;  for  I 
hear  you  love  your  study  well.  You  must  have  special  care 
that  you  be  not  insnared  with  the  lusts  of  youth,  which  are 
commonly  covered  under  the  name  of  recreations,  &c.  I 
remember  the  counsel  of  a  wise  man  :  Qtiidquid  ad  voluptatis 
seminariiim  ptdlidat,  ve?ienum  piita.  Think  of  it  (dear  son), 
and  especially  that  of  Paul  to  Timothy :  '  Exhort  young  men 
that  they  be  sober-minded.' 

"I  sent  you  some  books  by  J.  Nutton.  I  could  not  then 
buy  the  rest,  nor  such  cloth,  &c.,  which  I  would  have  sent 
you,  because  your  uncle  Fones  was  not  then  in  London  ;  and  I 
have  no  friend  else  that  I  can  make  bold  with.  I  have  now 
a  piece  of  cloth  to  make  your  doublet  and  hose,  if  I  can  send  it 
by  IVIr.  Olmested :  if  not,  then  desire  your  uncle  to  fit  you 
there.  It  is  only  some  little  more  in  the  price  ;  and  I  have 
found,  that,  except  one  send  by  some  friend,  the  carriage  and 
custom  (besides  the  hazard)  costs  so  much,  as  there  vnW.  be 
little  saved.  You  may  line  your  gown  with  some  warm  baize, 
and  wear  it  out,  for  else  you  will  soon  outgrow  it ;  and,  if  you 
be  not  already  in  a  frieze  jerkin,  I  wish  you  to  get  one  speedily  : 
and  howsoever  you  clothe  yourself  when  you  stir,  yet  be  sure 


176  LITE   AND  LETTEES 

to  keep  warm  wben  you  study  or  sleep.  I  send  you  no  money, 
because  you  may  have  of  your  uncle  what  you  need.  I  hope 
you  will  be  honestly  frugal,  and  have  respect  to  my  great  charge 
and  small  means,  which  I  shall  willingly  extend  to  the  utmost 
to  do  you  good. 

"  Your  grandfather,  grandmother,  and  mother  salute  and  bless 
you.  We  all,  with  your  brothers  and  sister,  are  in  health  (I 
praise  God) .  Forth  is  at  Bury ;  but  he  fell  so  between  two 
forms,  as  he  had  like,  between  both,  to  have  fallen  back  to 
Boxford. 

"  Your  uncle  Gostlin  and  aunt  are  in  health,  and  he  titieans 
to  write  to  you.  Your  good  host  and  hostess  at  Bury  inquire 
much  of  you,  and  desire  always  to  be  remembered  to  you  :  so 
did  your  master  there,  when  I  last  saw  him.  I  purpose  to 
write  two  or  three  lines  to  your  good  tutor,  in  token  of  my 
thankful  acceptance  of  his  loving  pains  with  you. 

"  We  are  daily  in  expectation  of  Mr.  Olmested's  coming  by 
us,  who  appointed  to  have  set  forth  on  his  journey  above  a 
fortnight  since  :  otherwise  I  had  adventured  some  letters  by 
London  before  this,  though  we  received  none  from  you  since 
John  Nutton  came  to  us.  I  hear  not  yet  of  my  gelding.  It 
will  be  fit,  that,  at  the  quarter's  end  (if  your  uncle  forget  it), 
you  ask  him  money  for  your  tutor.  The  Lord  bless  you  ever. 
So  I  rest 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  JoHN  Wintheop. 

"Oct.  16,  1622. 

"  Commend  me  to  Mr.  Downes  the  stationer." 

John  WintJirop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  beloved  son,  John  "Winthrop,  at  Trinity  College,  in  Dublin, 

Ireland. 

"  My  deae  Son,  — I  received  your  letters,  with  the  bill  of 
charges  enclosed,  &c.  I  bless  God  for  the  continuance  of  your 
health,  but  especially  for  the  good  seed  of  his  true  fear,  which 
I  trust  is  planted,  and  grows  daily  in  you.     I  perceive  you  lose 


OF   JOHN   \>'TNTHEOP.  177 

not  your  time,  nor  neglect  your  study;  which  as  it  will  be 
abundantly  fruitful  to  my  comfort,  so  much  more  to  your  own 
future  and  eternal  happiness,  and  especially  to  the  glory  of 
Him  who  hath  created  you  to  this  purpose.  I  pray,  continu- 
ally, that  God  Avill  please  to  establish  your  heart,  and  bless 
these  good  beginnings.  For  the  money  which  you  have  spent, 
I  will  pay  it,  and  what  else  your  uncle  shall  appoint  me,  so 
soon  as  I  receive  my  rents.  And  for  your  expenses,  seeing  I 
perceive  you  are  considerate  of  my  estate,  I  will  have  as  great 
regard  of  yours ;  and,  so  long  as  your  mind  is  limited  to  a 
sober  course,  I  will  not  limit  your  allowance  less  than  to  the 
uttermost  of  mine  own  estate.  So  as,  if  £20  be  too  little  (as 
I  always  accounted  it),  you  shall  have  £30;  and,  when  that 
shall  not  suffice,  you  shall  have  more.  Only  hold  a  sober  and 
frugal  course  (yet  without  baseness) ,  and  I  Avill  shorten  myself 
to  enlarge  you.  For  yom*  apparel,  desire  your  uncle  to  fur- 
nish you  for  this  present ;  and,  if  I  can  find  out  a  means  to 
send  you  things  against  "winter  at  a  more  easy  rate,  I  will  pro- 
vide for  you,  as  I  would  have  done  before  tliis,  but  that  I 
thought  (the  charges  of  sending  and  hazard  considered)  you 
were  as  good  provide  them  there.  Your  mother  is  lately  deK- 
vered  of  another  son  (his  name  is  Deane),^  and  is  reasonable 
well  (I  praise  God),  with  your  grandmother,  brothers,  sister, 
uncle  and  aunt  Gostlin,  &c.  ;  but  your  grandfather  is  very 
weak,  and  (we  fear)  in  his  last  sickness.  They  all  salute  you, 
and  rejoice  in  your  welfare.  Goodman  Hawes  was  here,  and 
salutes  you  also.  Remember  my  love  to  your  tutor,  &c.  The 
Lord  bless  you  always.     Amen. 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  J.  Winthrop. 

"I  wrote  to  you  lately,  and  to  your  uncle  and  aunt;  and, 
since,  I  wrote  another  letter  to  your  aunt. 

"JkLmcH  25,  1623." 


1  Baptized  at  Groton,  March  23, 1622. 
23 


178  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 
"  To  my  loA^ng  son,  John  Winthrop,  at  the  College  in  Dublin,  Ireland. 

"  Son  John,  —  The  blessing  of  the  Lord  be  upon  thee,  and 
upon  thy  studies  unto  a  most  happy  success.  I  received  divers 
letters  from  thee  since  Christide,  and  I  have  written  three.  I 
hope  thou  hast  received  them  before  this.  I  bless  God,  and 
am  heartily  refreshed  to  hear  of  thy  health  and  good  liking,  — 
especially  to  see  those  seeds  of  the  fear  of  God,  which  (I  hope 
and  daily  pray)  will  arise  to  timely  fruit.  He  who  hath  begun 
that  good  in  you  will  perfect  it  unto  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  :  only  you  must  be  constant  and  fervent  in  the  use  of  the 
means,  and  yet  trust  only  to  God's  blessing. 

"I  was  piu'posed  to  defer  writing  to  you  till  your  uncle 
Gostlin  should  have  come ;  but,  his  journey  being  put  off  on 
the  sudden,  I  am  enforced  to  borrow  of  the  night  to  write 
these  few  lines  unto  thee.  Concerning  thy  charges,  I  have 
written  my  mind  in  a  former  letter ;  but,  lest  that  hath  mis- 
carried, knoAv  that  my  good  persuasion  of  thy  tender  regard  of 
my  estate,  and  confidence  of  a  sober  course,  shall  make  me  to 
extend  myself  to  the  farthest  of  my  ability  for  thy  good,  be  it 
£30  per  annum,  or  more,  if  occasion  be.  And,  though  I  have 
sent  over  no  money  all  this  time,  it  was  not  through  any  neglect 
of  thee,  but  upon  that  assurance  which  I  had  of  thy  uncle  and 
aunt  their  care  of  thee,  he  himself  willing  me  to  send  no  money 
tUl  he  sent  for  it ;  and  now,  since  Mr.  Goad  is  dead,  I  know 
not  to  whom  to  pay  it.  But  make  you  no  question  ;  for  (God 
willing)  I  will  discharge  every  groat.  And  for  your  apparel 
and  books,  I  find  it  so  difficult  and  troublesome,  &c.,  to  send 
things  over,  as  I  would  wish  you  to  provide  there  for  the 
present. 

"I  have  written  to  your  uncle  of  the  change  that  it  hath 
pleased  the  Lord  to  make  in  our  family.^  The  Lord  give  us 
and  you  to  make  a  right  use  of  it.     Time  will  not  permit  me 

1  The  death  of  his  father,  Adam  Winthrop,  to  which  he  alhides  more  particularly  in 
the  next  letter. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  179 

to  write  more.  Your  (n-andmother  and  mother  salute  and  bless 
you.  Remember  me  very  kindly  to  your  good  tutor  and  Mr. 
Downes,  &c. 

»  "  Your  loving  father,  "  J.  Winthrop. 

"  April  20,  1623. 

"  Send  me  word  in  your  next  how  Mr.  Olmsted  and  that 
plantation  prospers.  I  wish  oft  God  would  open  a  way  to  settle 
me  in  Ireland,  if  it  might  be  for  his  glory.     Amen. 

"  Commend  me  to  my  little  cousins,  and  to  my  god-daug*hter 
Susannah  Nutton,  to  Richard,  and  the  rest  of  the  family." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  son. 
"  To  my  [son]  John  Winthrop,  at  Trinity  College,  in  Dublin,  Ireland. 

"Mr  WELL-BELOVED  SoN, — I  received  thy  letters  of  the 
26th  of  May  this  26th  of  June ;  and,  the  messenger  being 
presently  to  return,  I  cannot  satisfy  myself  in  writing  to  thee 
as  I  desire.  Let  it  suffice  for  the  present,  that  I  humbly  praise 
our  heavenly  Father  for  his  great  mercy  towards  thee  in  all 
respects ;  especially  for  the  hope,  which  I  conceive,  that  he 
hath  pleased  to  make  thee  a  vessel  of  glory  for  thy  salvation  in 
Christ  Jesus.  And  I  heartily  rejoice  that  he  hath  withdrawn 
thy  mind  from  the  love  of  those  worldly  vanities,  wherevdth  the 
most  part  of  youth  are  poisoned,  and  hath  given  thee  to  discern 
of,  and  exercise  thyself  in,  things  that  are  of  true  worth.  I 
see,  by  your  epistle,  that  you  have  not  spent  this  year  past  in 
idleness,  but  have  profited  even  beyond  my  expectations.  The 
Lord  grant  that  thy  soul  may  still  prosper  in  the  knowledge  of 
Jesus  Christ,  and  in  the  strength  of  the  Spirit,  as  thy  mind  is 
strengthened  in  vrisdom  and  learning ;  for  this  gives  the  true 
lustre  and  beauty  to  all  gifts  both  of  nature  and  industry,  and  is 
as  wisdom  with  an  inheritance.  I  am  sure,  before  tliis,  you  have 
knowledge  of  that  which,  at  the  time  when  you  wrote,  you 
were  ignorant  of;  viz.,  the  departure  of  your  grandfather  (for 
I  wrote  over  twice  since) .  He  hath  finished  his  course ;  and 
is  gathered  to  his  people  in  peace,  as  the  ripe  com  into  the 


180  LITE    AI^D   LETTEES 

barn.  He  thought  long  for  the  day  of  his  dissolution,  and 
welcomed  it  most  gladly.  Thus  is  he  gone  before  ;  and  we 
must  go  after,  in  our  time.  This  advantage  he  hath  of  us, — 
he  shall  not  see  the  evil  which  we  may  meet  with  ere  we  go 
hence.  Happy  those  who  stand  in  good  terms  with  God  and 
their  own  conscience  :  they  shall  not  fear  evU  tidings ;  and  in 
all  changes  they  shall  be  the  same. 

"  The  rest  of  us  (I  praise  God)  are  in  health.  Your  grand- 
mot"her  and  mother  salute  and  bless  you  in  the  Lord.  We  all 
think  long  to  see  you ;  and,  it  is  like,  myself  shall  (if  it  please 
God)  go  over  to  you,  before  I  shall  be  willing  you  should  take 
so  great  a  journey,  and  be  so  long  withdraAvn  from  your  happy 
studies,  to  come  to  us.  It  satisfieth  me  that  I  know  you  are 
well  and  can  want  nothing,  and  that  (I  believe)  God  blesses 
you.  I  shall  continue  to  pray  for  you,  and  wUl  not  be  want- 
ing, to  my  power,  to  further  your  good  in  every  thing ;  and 
know  this,  that  no  distance  of  place,  or  length  of  absence,  can 
abate  the  aiFection  of  a  loving  father  towards  a  dutiful,  well- 
deserving  child.  And,  in  that  I  have  not  sent  you  money  all 
this  time,  it  is  upon  that  assurance  which  I  have  of  your  uncle's 
and  aunt's  care  of  you,  and  his  free  offer  to  forbear  me  till  he 
should  send.  But  I  have  written  to  him  to  receive  £30  or 
£40  of  some  of  Dublin,  who  have  occasion  to  use  money  in 
London ;  and  they  shall  not  fail  to  receive  it  again  at  my 
brother  Fones  his  [house]  upon  the  first  demand.  For  Coop- 
er's Dictionary,  I  will  send  it  you  as  soon  as  I  can ;  but  it  is  so 
diflficult  and  hazardable  ^  (especially  now,  since  Mr.  Goad  died) , 
as  I  cannot  tell  how  to  convey  that  or  any  thing  else  to  thee. 
Remember  my  kind  love  to  your  good  tutor.  And  so,  in  haste, 
I  end  ;  and,  beseeching  daily  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  be  with 
thee  and  bless  thee,  I  rest 

"Your  loving  father,  "Jo.  Wlntheop. 

"Groton,  Juu6  26,  1623." 


1  This  volume,  which  it  was  "  so  difficult  and  hazardable  "  to  send  over  to  Dublin 
in  1623,  is  now  safely  in  the  library  of  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  in  Boston. 


OF   JOHN   AVINTHEOP.  181 


John  Winthroj)  to  his  Son. 

"  My  dear  Son,  —  The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  multiply  his 
graces  in  thee,  to  the  building  up  of  that  good  work  which  (I 
well  hope)  is  truly  begun  in  thee,  and  wherein  I  rejoice  daily, 
and  bless  God,  who  hath  pleased  to  call  thee  and  keep  thee  in 
that  good  course  which  yields  hope  to  all  the  friends  of  thy  fu- 
ture happiness.  Be  watchful,  (good  son,)  and  remember,  that 
though  it  be  true,  in  some  cases,  that  prmcijnum  est  dimidium 
totius,  yet,  in  divinity,  he  who  hath  attained  beyond  the  middest 
must  stUl  think  himself  to  have  but  new  begun  :  for,  through 
the  continual  instigation  of  Satan  and  our  own  proneness  to 
evil,  we  are  always  in  danger  of  being  turned  out  of  our  course  ; 
but  God  win  preserve  us  to  the  end,  if  we  trust  in  him  and  be 
guided  by  his  will. 

"I  received  no  letters  from  you  since  that  in  Latin,  wherein 
you  wrote  for  Cooper's  Dictionary,  which  I  sent  you  since  by 
London  ;  and  I  have  wrote  twice  since.  I  purpose  to  send  by  this 
bearer,  Samuel  Gostlin,  a  piece  of  Turkey  grogram,  about  ten 
yards,  to  make  you  a  suit ;  and  I  shall  have  a  piece  of  good  cloth 
against  winter,  to  make  you  a  gown.  All  my  care  is  how  to 
get  it  well  conveyed.  I  would  have  sent  you  some  other  things, 
with  some  remembrancers  to  your  aunt  and  cousins,  but  that  the 
occasion  of  sending  this  messenger  was  so  sudden,  as  I  could  not 
provide  them.  If  your  uncle  come  over  to  Chester,  you  may 
come  with  him  ;  and  there  I  hope  to  see  you.  Be  directed  by 
him  and  your  tutor ;  for  though  I  much  desire  to  see  you,  yet 
I  had  rather  hear  of  your  welfare  than  hazard  it.  And,  if 
your  uncle  mean  to  come  further  than  Chester,  iV'Ould  wish  you 
not  to  come  over  now  ;  for  I  am  not  willing  you  should  come  to 
Groton  this  year,  except  your  uncle  shall  much  desire  your  com- 
pany. Kemember  my  kind  love  to  your  good  tutor  and  to  Mr. 
Downes  :  and  excuse  me  to  your  aunt  that  I  write  not  to  her, 
for  I  have  not  leisure;  and,  if  occasion  be,  impart  my  joy  in 
her.  safe  deliverance,  which  we  long  much  to  hear  of.  What  re- 
mains, this  bearer  can  inform  you  of  all  oiu:  aiFairs.     Put  him 


182  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

in  mind  (as  from  me  )  to  be  sober,  and  beware  of  company. 
Your  grandmother  and  mother  salute  and  bless  you ;  your  uncle 
Gostlin  and  aunt  salute  you ;  your  master  at  Bury  (to  whom  I 
wish  you  to  write  at  leisure) ,your  good  host  and  hostess,  salute 
you  also.      Vale.  "  John  Winthrop. 

"  Groton,  Aug.  12,  1623. 

"  You  shall  receive  by  Samuel  a  twenty-two-shilling  piece,  if 
he  have  not  occasion  to  spend  it  by  the  way."  « 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  beloved  son,  John  Winthrop,  at  Trinity  College,  in  Dublin, 

Ireland. 

"  My  well-beloved  Son,  —  I  beseech  our  God  and  hea- 
venly Father,  through  Christ,  to  bless  thee  ;  and  I  humbly 
praise  his  holy  name  for  his  great  mercy  towards  thee  hitherto, 
which  is  a  great  occasion  of  my  rejoicing.  For  there  is  nothing 
in  this  world  that  can  be  like  cause  of  private  comfort  to  me  as 
to  see  the  welfare  of  my  children  ;  especially  when  I  may  have 
hope  that  they  belong  to  Christ,  and  increase  his  kingdom,  and 
that  I  shall  meet  them  in  glory,  to  enjoy  them  in  life  eternal, 
when  tliis  shade  of  life  shall  be  vanished.  Labor,  my  dear  son, 
to  have  in  highest  esteem  the  favor  of  this  God,  whose  blessing 
is  better  than  life,  and  reacheth  to  eternity.  Make  him  thy 
joy,  by  trusting  in  him  with  all  thy  heart ;  and  nourish  the 
peace  of  a  pure  conscience  in  an  undefiled  body.  I  am  glad 
also  to  hear  that  thou  declinest  the  evil  company  and  manners 
of  the  place  thou  livest  in,  and  followest  thy  study  with  good 
fruit.  Go  on,  and  God  will  still  prosper  thee.  To  fall  back 
will  be  far  worse  than  never  to  have  begun  ;  but  I  hope  better 
of  thee.  Your  grandmother,  mother,  brothers,  and  sister  are 
in  health  (I  praise  God).  How  we  do  all  here  at  London, 
this  bearer  can  tell  you.  Your  uncle  (Fones)  wishes  well  to 
you.  I  would  have  you  write  him  a  Latin  epistle  at  your 
leisure.  You  must  be  careful  to  visit  your  aunt,  and  help  her 
to  be  cheerful  in  this  time  of  your  uncle's  absence.     Commend 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  183 

me  heartily  to  your  reverend  tutor ;  and  think  not  of  seeing 
England  till  you  may  bring  a  liood^  at  your  back. 

"It  shall  satisfy  me,  in  the  mean  time,  to  hear  of  your  wel- 
fare, Avliich  I  daily  pray  for ;  and  so   I  commend  thee  to  the 

Lord,  and  rest  "  Thy  loving  father, 

"  John  Wintheop. 

"London,  Oct,  3,  1623. 

"  I  send  two  books  by  Eichard.  One  of  them  is  for  yom- 
aimt,  the  other  for  yourself.  Read  it  over  and  again ;  and 
God  give  a  blessing  with  it.'* 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  loving  son,  John  Winthrop,  at  Trinity  College,  in  Dublin, 

Ireland. 

"  I  sent  you,  in  January  last,  the  books  which  you  wrote  for. 
'  Imagines  Deorum '  is  very  dear,  and  hard  to  get.^  I  could 
not  find  a  second  in  London.  It  is  a  book  that  may  be  of  some 
use  for  the  praise  and  antiquity  of  the  monuments,  abused  by 
the  superstition  of  succeeding  times ;  but  you  must  read  it  with 
a  sober  mind  and  sanctified  heart.  Your  grandmother  and 
mother  are  in  health  (I  bless  God) ,  and  do  salute  and  bless 
you.  Yom'  brothers  and  sister,  and  the  rest  of  your  friends, 
are  likewise  in  health  ;  only  Adam  hath  a  sore  ague.  Let  me 
hear,  by  your  next,  how  your  aunt  bears  this  long  absence  of 
your  uncle,  and  how  things  goe  in  Ireland,  at  Mont  Wealy, 
and  elsewhere,  and  what  success  hath  been  of  the  proclama- 
tion. Om'  Parhament  here  is  beo;un  with  exceeding;  much 
comfort  and  hope.  The  treaty  about  the  Spanish  match  is 
now  concluded,  by  king,  prince,  and  Parliament,  to  be  at  an 
end ;  and,  it  is  very  like,  we  shall  not  hold  long  with  Spain. 
The  Duke  of  Richmond  and  Lenox  died  suddenly  that  morn- 


1  "An  ornamental  fold  that  hangs  down  the  back  of  a  graduate."  —  Johnson. 

2  The  volume  here  referred  to  is  perhaps  the  same  which  is  now  in  my  possession, 
entitled  "  The  Image  of  God,  or  laie  mas  booke,  in  which  the  right  knowledge  of  God 
is  disclosed,  and  divers  doutes  besydes  the  principall  matters  —  Newly  made  out  of  holi 
writ  bi  Roger  Hutch j-nson  of  Cambrj-dge."     1550, 


184  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

ing  the  Parliament  should  have  begun.  The  Duke  of  Buck- 
ingham hath  quit  himself  worthily,  and  given  great  satisfaction 
to  the  Parliament.  God  send  a  good  end  to  these  happy  be- 
ginnings. This  bearer  comes  suddenly  upon  me,  and  is  but  a 
stranger.  Therefore  here  I  end ;  and  with  my  loving  saluta- 
tions to  your  reverend  tutor,  and  your  kind  friend  his  substi- 
tute, with  Mr.  Downes,  your  little  cousins,  Eichard,  &c.,  I 
est  "  Your  loving  father, 

"  John  Wintheop. 

"Geoton,  March  7,  1623." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 
"  To  my  beloved  sonne  John  Winthrop  at  the  Colledge  in  Dublin. 

"  My  dearly  beloved  sonne,  —  I  beseeche  the  Lord  God 
Allmighty  to  blesse  thee  &  prosper  the  course  w*^^  thou  art,  by 
his  providence,  entered  into ;  &  to  returne  thee  home  in  safetye 
in  his  good  tyme,  w'^'^  though  I  thinke  longe  for,  (&  shalbe 
still  more  greved  at  thy  absence,  if  thy  uncle  &  aunt  should 
retm-ne  into  England  before  winter,)  yet  when  I  weighe  all 
considerations  rather  by  judgment  then  affection,  I  had  rather 
thou  should  continue  still  till  the  springe,  or  till  thou  maiest 
obtalne  a  degree,  w*^out  w**^  (for  ought  I  can  learne)  this  tyme 
wilbe  loste :  neverthelesse  if  yo''  uncle  shall  thinke  fitt,  & 
yo'  selfe  shall  desire  it,  I  shall  give  waye,  &  be  gladd  to  have 
you  heere.  I  receeved  no  letter  from  you  since  the  18  of 
Maye  :  I  must  needs  blame  yo'"  want  this  waye.  I  expected 
to  have  had  many  Latin  Epistles  ;  but  vix  unam  et  alteram 
accept,  easq :  vulgari  penitus  sermone  exaratas  ;  —  si  quid  aliud 
in  coniectiird  inciderat  prcBter  communem  causam  ignaviam,  paternus 
Amor  facile  excusatione  suppleret :  sed  si  alio  perfugio  uti  non 
possis,  quid  restat  quin  culpam  agnoscas  et  redimere  studeas.  My 
true  desire  is  that  you  may  be  a  good  proficient  in  y°'  studyes, 
but  my  most  earnest  prayers  &  wishes  are,  that  you  &  y°"^ 
studyes  may  be  consecrated  to  Christ  Jesus  &  the  service  of  his 
church ;  for  w'^^  ende,  I  beseeche  the  Lorde  to  furnish  you  with 
all  meet  gifts,  &  to  sanctlfye  you  throughout ;  for  I  doubt  not 


OF  JOIIN  ^VINTHROP.  185 

but,  if  it  please  the  Lorde  to  reveale  himselfe  once  in  you,  & 
to  lett  you  taste  &  see  ho  we  good  he  is,  &  what  the  worthe  of 
Christ  is  to  those  who  finde  him,  what  riches,  what  pleasures, 
what  wisdome,  what  peace  &  coutentatio  is  to  be  founde  in 
Christ  alone,  you  will  willingly  forsake  all  to  follow  him,  & 
with  Paul,  those  things  w*^^  sometymes  seemed  great  advantage 
to  you,  to  account  them  lost  for  Christ's  sake.  I  can  give  you 
but  a  taste  of  these  thinges  ;  be  constant  in  hearinge,  prayer, 
readinge  &  meditation,  &  the  good  spirit  of  God  shall  reveale 
unto  you  this  great  misterye  of  godlinesse,  &  shall  shewe  you 
more  then  any  tongue  or  penne  can  expresse.  .  Amen.  Y°' 
grand  mother  &  mother  salute  and  bless  you,  y"""  brothers  & 
sister  are  all  in  health  (I  prayse  God).  Y""^  master  at  Burye 
salutes  you,  I  merveile  you  never  w^rite  to  him  ;  y"''  good  host 
&  hostesse  are  well  &  salute  you.  So  w**^  itteratio  of  my  bless- 
inge  upon  you,  &  my  kinde  salutations  to  y"""  Rev''  Tutor,  Mr. 
Downes,  &  all  o""  frends,  I  rest 

"  Y^''  lovinge  father,  "  JoHN  Wintheop. 

"  Grotox.  June  20,  1624." 


Ill  more  than  one  of  the  letters  which  have  just  been 
given,  the  elder  Winthrop  alludes  to  his  son  Forth,  who 
was  a  schoolboy  at  Bury  St.  Edmund's,  as  his  brother 
John  had  been  before  him.  We  cannot  conclude  this 
chapter  more  appropriately  than  by  giving  two  or  three 
of  Forth's  o^vn  letters  to  his  brother  at  this  period. 
They  furnish  a  good  idea  of  the  juvenile  correspondence 
of  the  olden  time,  and  contain  many  pleasant  allusions 
to  the  scholars  with  whom  he  was  associated,  and  to  the 
masters  by  whom  he  was  instructed.  They  also  settle  a 
question  of  fact,  which  has  frequently  been  raised,  in  re- 
gard to  the  uncle  and  aunt  of  the  younger  Winthrop, 
with  whom  he. resided  in  Dublui,  and  to  whom  his  father 

24 


186  LIFE   AISTD   LETTERS 

sent  so  many  messages  of  remembrance.  Forth  speaks 
of  them  distuictly  as  his  uncle  and  amit  Downing ; 
thereby  proving  that  Emanuel  Downing,  who  had  mar- 
ried Lucy  Winthrop  in  1622,  resided  at  this  time  in 
Ireland,  where  probably  their  eldest  son  (Sir  George 
Downing)  was  born  in  August,  1623. 

Forth  Winthrop  was  born  Dec.  30,  1609 ;  and  was 
but  about  thirteen  years  old  when  these  letters  were 
written. 

""So  young,  so  wise,  they  say,  do  ne'er  live  long." 

But  we  will  not  anticipate  his  early  fate. 


Forth  Winthrop  to  his  brother  John. 

"  To  his  very  loving  brother  Mr.  John  Winthropp  at  Dublin  in 
Ireland. 

" '  God       be        Imanuell        with        us        &        Jesus.'  i 

"Loving  beother, — I  received  youer  letters  the  19  daie 
of  Agust,  by  which  I  doe  understand  youer  singular  love  to  me- 
warde,  &  that  althou  the  distans  of  place  hath  severed  us  one 
from  another,  yet  I  trust  that  neither  sea  nor  land  can  braek 
of  na  diminish  ou'"  tru  love  and  affectio  one  towardes  each 
other  w''^  hath  ever  bene  ;  &  I  trust  that  the  sune  shall  cease  his 
corse  before  ou''  love  shall  be  abolished :  and  as  we  doe  thus 
love  one  an  other,  how  unfainiedly  shold  we  love  God  for  his 
Sonne  Jesus  Christe ;  he  loved  us  when  we  weare  enimies  not 
breathren.  How,  how  I  saie  shold  we  love  him  :  let  us  take 
heede  that  we  lose  not  ou""  first  love  as  Laodicea  did,  or  begin 
well.w*'^  the  Galatians  but  shold  not  goe  on  well,  but  shold  have 
.cause  for  to   feare  w*''  the  Apostell  least  we  are  turned  from 


1  It  was  a  common  practice,  in  the  olden  time,  to  write  these  sacred  words  as  a  cap- 
tion to  a  letter,  running  them  along  the  top  of  the  successive  pages. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  187 

God  :  and  I  hope  mountaines  or  hills  shold  soner  be  cast  into 
the  sea,  than  that  we  shold  lose  ou""  first  love  :  Let  us  folio  the 
thing  w^**  Solomon  saytli  in  his  Booke,  Remember  thy  Greater  in 
the  daies  of  thy  youth  before  the  evil  daies  come  :  let  us  do  as 
Esaie  the  proffit  sayth,  Wash  you,  mak  you  cleane,  Turne  you 
from  you''  evill  waies,  &  thow  your  Sines  weare  as  crimsin  yet 
will  I  mak  them  as  snow  :  If  we  belong  to  God,  God  sayth  to 
us,  the  keeper  of  Israel  nether  slumbereth  or  sleepeth,  yet  God 
will  have  his  to  suffer  afflictions  even  as  the  church  is  alowed, 
for  to  mak  us  fitt :  but  I  shall  forget  to  wright  to  you  of  the 
things  w*^'^  I  have  to  wright :  for  as  concerning  you''  wrighting  to 
me  about  my  going  to  Bury  :  I  am  not  yet  gone  thither  but  I 
purpose  by  God's  grace  for  to  goe  about  next  Ester,  it  may  be 
soner  or  later :  Abraham  Caly  is  not  as  yet  gone  to  Cambridg 
but  he  was  admitted  at  ester,  he  is  of  S*.  Johns  coUedge  &  he 
purpos  to  goe  the  next  Spring,  all  ou'  friends  here  about  are 
in  good  helth.  Thus  desu'ing  you  for  to  writ  to  me  of  your 
welfare  &  of  your  frends  I  rest 

"  Your  brother  in  all  love  to  command 

"FOETHE   WlNTHEOP. 

"  Grotox  this  2  of  Sept.  1622. 

"  Charles  Neuton  is  not  yet  gone  to  Cambridg,  nether  is 
admitted,  but  he  hopes  of  great  matters  ;  but  I  think  they  will 
prove  but  vaine  :  next  Ester  he  hopes  to  get  a  place  which  I 
hope  may  prove  good  for  him,  in  the  end  he  shall  be  a  good 
scholar." 

Forth  Winthrop  to  his  brother  John. 

"  To  his  verry  lovinge  Brother  M'  John  Winthropp  at  DubKn  in  Ire- 
land at  the  College. 

"Lo^TXG  Beothee, — You  wroght  to  me  for  to  send  you 
word  of  my  going  to  Bury,  &  I  sent  you  word  as  far  as  I  knew 
about  Ester  tune  :  but  having  knowledge  of  my  father  I  now 
wright  to  you  about  that  matter,  ffor  he  tould  mee  about 
ISIichaebnas  or  soone  after :  the  rjeson  I  know  not,  but  as  you 


188  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

know  —  nunquam  sera  est  ad  honos  mores  via,  so  althou  it  weare 
long  before  I  goe,  yet  at  leanth  seem  I  goe  it  is  sum  comfort 
unto  mee  :  and  as  you  wroght  to  mee  ons,  which.  I  thank  you 
for,  for  to  comfort  mee  &  incorage  mee  to  goe  on  in  the  corse 
of  learning :  &  shewed  me  the  reason  of  it,  nam  sine  doctrina 
vita  est  quasi  mortis  imago :  w'^^  is  a  most  true  sainge,  for  many 
men  which  in  their  youth  have  neclected  learning  &  goodnes, 
in  ther  age,  when  as  it  should  doe  them  any,  na  most  good  & 
steed,  then  they  crie  out  of  all,  ther  parents,  themselves  &  all, 
&  wish  that  they  had  never  scene  the  sunne  ;  is  not  this  a  woo- 
full  cause  &  worthy  to  be  taken  heed  of :  I  pray  you  to  send 
me  word  so  soone  as  you  have  a  good  ocqasion  of  the  welfare 
of  your  &  our  frends,  thus  having  at  this  time  no  more  to  writ, 
remembring  our  love  to  you  I  rest 

"  Youi"  loving  Brother         "  Forthe  Winthrop. 

"  My  uncle  ffones  is  about  removing  but  he  is  not  as  yet  set- 
tled there,  he  hath  gotten  him  a  place  at  Ipswich,  a  house 
wher  M''  Ward  dwelt  in.  I  pray  you  remember  me  to  my 
Uncle  &  Ante  Downing  —  also  to  Richard  his  man.     ffinis." 


Forth  Winthro'p  to  his  brother  John. 

"  To  his  most  lovinge  Brother  M'  John  Winthroppe  at  Trinitie  Coll : 
neere  Dublin,  give  thes.  Ireland. 

"Most  lovestge  brother,  — I  received  youer  letters  the  16 
of  Aprill  whereby  I  perceived  your  great  love  &  respect  towards 
me  which  alwaise  hath  binne  :  I  thank  you  for  your  good  admo- 
nitions which  you  in  your  letters  sent  me  for  to  alwaise  goe  on 
as  I  haue  begunne  ;  knowinge  that  althow  the  waye  to  lerninge 
seeme  verry  hard  &  difficult,  yet  the  frute  &  end  is  sweet  & 
pleasant.  I  hope  althow  the  distans  of  place  hath  set  us  one 
from  another  yet  nether  sea  nor  land  nor  anythinge  else  can 
part  our  affections  one  from  the  other :  I  had  an  intention  to 
have  written  to  you  by  one  of  Bury  that  went  over,  but  he  went 
over  so  speedilie  as  I  cold  nott  have  time  to  wright :  but  having 


OF   JOHN  WmTHROP.  189 

SO  fitt  an  opportimitie  I  will  wriglit.  I  wold  I  cold  find  matter 
wherin  I  might  expresse  my  mind  to  you :  for  sich  are  our 
sinnes  to  God  as  they  dailie  cry  for  vengans  uppon  us,  &  so 
littell  love  or  charitie  one  to  another  in  these  daies  as  it  is  Gods 
mercy  that  we  are  nott  consumed :  But  to  retturne  to  the 
pm'pose :  you  Avi'ote  to  me  to  send  you  Avord  of  what  forme  I 
am  of,  &  how  I  like  :  I  am  of  Tho  :  Chalmans  :  for  when  as  I 
came  first  INI"^  Ward  did  putt  mee  to  my  choise  whether  I  would 
be  of  Germin  Wrights  or  the  other,  now  Germins  classe  was 
so  forward  in  Greke  grain er  as  I  cold  verry  hardly  have  over- 
taken them  —  so  I  wold  be  of  the  lower  forme :  we  came  up 
into  the  hie  ende  last  Christide  :  As  for  my  likinge  of  it,  who 
cold  mislike  of  sich  a  place  havinge  sich  kind  usage  att  schole  : 
&  I  o'iue  most  hartie  thanks  to  Almightie  God  for  that  he  hath 
disposed  it  so  for  my  good  &  benefight.  As  for  our  Borders, 
Tho  :  Wright  &  liis  Brother  are  gone  to  Cambridge  :  they  went 
a  fortnight  before  Ester  :  none  else  but  Abraham  Caly  of  whom 
before  I  wrote  to  you  :  All  our  frends  are  in  good  health,  onely 
our  grandmother  is  nott  very  well :  Our  grandfather  is  departed 
out  of  this  miserable  life  to  a  perpetual  rest :  When  as  I  came 
last  from  my  master  M""  Dickerson  he  was  in  good  health  & 
sent  commendations  to  you.  So  did  M"^  Ward :  M'  Dickerson 
is  married  last  Ester :  his  wife  is  bigge  w*'^  child  reddy  to  be 
delivered  if  nott  she  bee  already :  William  Harbone  is  gone 
to  Cambrido-e  :  he  went  that  daie  that  Tho  :  Wright  went : 
William  Hall  went  to  Cam :  2  monthes  before ;  &  Edmund 
Maier  went  to  bee  admitted  then  too,  but  he  cold  not.  William 
Smith  went  to  Cambridge  this  Easter :  the  2  Classe  as  I  sup- 
pose shall  be  turned  to  the  hye  one :  Charles  Neuton  is  gone 
to  Cambridge  very  latly  but  of  what  Col :  he  is  I  cannott  learne  : 
Henery  Bridon  sendeth  salutations  to  you  :  I  am  in  good  health 
I  praise  God  for  it :  So  are  all  our  frends  so  far  as  I  can  learne  ; 
our  new  Brother  Deane  is  well,  praised  be  God  for  itt :  Thus 
havinge  nott  more  time  I  committ  you  to  the  almightie  Jesus  : 

"  Your  loving  brother  "  Forth  Wintheoppe. 

"Geoton,  April  17,  1623.  . 


190  LITE    A]!^D   LETTEKS 

"As  for  tlie  printed  booke  of  quarters  which  you  wroght 
word  of  I  cannott  reddilie  find  It  nor  how  surely  send  It.  But 
my  father  will  find  It  &  send  It  to  you  by  my  uncle  Gostling  who 
will  come  shortly. 

"Eemember  me  to  my  uncle  &  Ante  Downinge  &  to 
Elchard : " 

Forth  Winthrop  to  his  brother  John. 

"  To  my  verle  lovinge  Brother  M'  John  Winthroppe  at  Trinitie  Col- 
lege neere  Dublin  give  thes  —  Ireland. 

"  Most  lovinge  brother,  —  The  longe  absens  of  my 
wrighting  to  you  may  make  you  ether  thinke  the  bond  of 
brotherlie  love  Is  broken  In  me,  or  else  that  ungratefulnes, 
which  to  God  Is  most  detestable,  hath  possessed  my  mind,  or 
rather  that  sum  Impediment  of  sicknesse  or  any  other  diseases 
by  Gods  just  judgment  for  my  sines  &  offences  hath  befalen 
upon  me.  But  thankes  be  to  the  Almightie  that  thow  my 
sines  hath  caled  for  great  punishment  yet  through  his  great 
goodnes  he  hath  removed  them  from  me  :  I  could  not  therfore 
at  this  time,  havinge  so  fitt  an  ppportunitle  &  so  honest  a  mes- 
senger, but  take  the  occasion,  not  knowlnge  when  I  shal  have 
sich  a  fitt  opportunltle,  for  as  the  poet  salth 

Fronte  capillcda,  post  est  occasio  calva : 

SO  If  I  should  neclect  this  occasion  perhaps  I  might  seldome  or 
never  enioy  the  like.  I  tharfore  in  hast  wright  to  you  desirlnge 
you  that  you  will  not  be  greved  because  I  have  omitted  &  lett 
passe  the  time  so  longe,  because  I  have  nott  had  a  fitt  &  good 
one  to  send  bye  :  I  wright  now  tharfore  desirlnge  that  you 
would  send  me  word  of  the  wellfare  of  your  selfe  &  of  my 
ante  w^*^  you,  for  w*^  us  there  is  a  verye  great  desease  &  at 
Cambridge  many  of  the  scholers  are  sicke  of  another  sicknes  : 
therefore  I  the  rather  wright  unto  you  to  knojv  whether  It  be 
so  w**^  you  also.  Thus  I  remembring  my  love  hartilie  to  my 
ant  &  also  to  your  selfe  In  hast  I  rest.  —  My  host  &  my  host- 
esse  remember  their  love  to  you  &  also  Abraham  Calie  for  he 


OF  JOHN   A\TNTHEOP.  191 

came  from  Cambridge  a  little  while  before.     M""  Gurdon  the 
elder  is  departed  verie  latlie  out  of  this  life. 

"Youer  loving  Brother         "Fokthe  Wintheoppe. 

"  I  praie  brother  send  me  word  whether  you  received  the 
letters  which  I  sent  you  sins  Whitsuntide  or  noe :  lastlie  I 
praie  wright  to  me  as  speedilie  as  you  can : 

"  BuKiE  S"  Edmonds  August  26.  1623." 


192  LITE    AND   LETTERS 


CHAPTER  X. 

CORRESPONDENCE  WITH  HIS  WIFE,  &c.  — 1623-5. 

We  turn  again  to  the  letters  from  Winthrop  to  his  wife, 
giving,  in  their  order,  a  series  of  eight,  which  require 
but  little  explanation  or  preamble.  All  of  them 
seem  to  imply  that  he  was  busily  engaged  in  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession ;  and  one  of  them  proves  that  he 
was  taking  an  active  interest  also  in  the  political  affairs 
of  his  County.  With  them  we  are  glad  to  be  able,  at 
last,  to  give  one  of  his  wife's  replies,  —  the  earliest 
which  has  survived  the  lapse  of  time.  Her  husband,  in 
the  first  of  this  series,  after  welcoming  her  "  sweet 
letters,"  reminds  her  that  they  were  "  without  date." 
But  the  hint  seems  not  to  have  been  regarded ;  and, 
like  too  many  of  her  sex  in  that  day  and  in  this,  she 
habitually  omitted  to  give  the  year  of  our  Lord  in  which 
she  was  writing.  Generally,  however,  she  tells  her  sim- 
ple story  of  affection  or  of  household  affairs  in  a  way 
which  leaves  little  danger  of  mistake  as  to  the  period 
of  which  she  is  speaking ;  or  certainly  so  as  to  render 
it  of  little  consequence,  at  this  late  day,  whether  we 
succeed  or  fail  in  conjecturing  the  precise  year  to  which 
it  may  have  belonged.  Such  letters  never  could  have 
come  amiss  to  her  loving  husband;    nor  will  the  satis- 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  193 

faction  of  those  who  read  them  now  be  materially  im- 
pah'ed,  we  imagine,  by  the  want  of  an  exact  date.^ 

John  Winihrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  deare  Wife, — Thy  sweet  Lettres  (w^'^out  date) 
how  welcome  they  we're  to  md"  I  canot  expresse  :  both  in  regard 
of  the  continuance  of  thy  health  &  thy  little  ones,  my  mother 
&  o'  whole  famUye,  for  w'^'^  I  humbly  blesse  &  prayse  o""  good 
God  &  Heavenly  father,  &  doe  hearty ly  begge  of  him  &,  trust 
in  him  for  the  continuance  of  the  same  mercie  to  thyselfe  &  all 
the  rest :  as  also  in  respect  of  the  manifestation  of  the  con- 
stancie  &  increase  of  thy  true  love  wherein  (I  seariously  pro- 
fesse)  I  doe  more  reioyce  then  in  any  earthly  blessinge  :  O  how 
I  jsrize  the  sweet  societye  of  so  modest  &  faithfidl  a  spouse  I 
O  that  I  could  be  wise  to  be  thankfull  &  improve  it,  accordinge 
to  that  esteeme  w'^'^  I  have  of  it  when  I  want  it !  I  am  heere 
where  I  have  all  outward  content,  most  kinde  entertainment, 
good  companye  &  good  fare,  &c :  onely  the  want  of  thy  pre- 
sence &  amiable  society  makes  me  weary  of  all  other  accom- 
plem*%  so  deare  is  thy  love  to  me,  &  so  confident  am  I  of  the 
like  entertainem*  my  true  affection  findes  w**^  thee  :  O  that  the 
consideration  of  these  things  could  make  us  raise  up  o^  spirits 
to  a  like  conformitye  of  sinceritye  &  fervencie  in  the  Love  of 
Christ  o''  Lord  &  heavenly  husband ;  that  we  could  delight  in 
him  as  we  doe  in  each  other.  So  that  his  absence  were  like 
greivous  to  us  :  But  the  Love  of  this  present  world,  how  it 
bewitcheth  us  &  steales  away  our  hearts  from  him  who  is  o"" 
onely  life  &  felicitye ;  but  I  must  break  off  this  discourse. 
The  blessed  protection  &  favour  of  the  Lord  be  stdl  w*'^  thee  & 
all  o''  familye,  &  bring  us  togither  againe  in  peace  :  thou  &  the 
rest  are  kindly  remembred  of  all  heere ;  remember  my  duty  to 
my  mother  &  my  love  to  all  thou  knowest  I  wish  it.  My 
brother  ffones  is  gotten  abroad  againe,  my  sister  is  as  she  useth 


1  All  the  letters  in  this  chapter  are  printed  now  for  the  first  time. 
25 


194  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

to  be,  the  rest  of  us  are  all  In  health  (I  prayse  God).  Our 
buslnesse  goeth  on,  tho'  slowlye  as  matters  use  to  do  at  Court. 
My  brother  sends  Richard  home  this  daje  &  meanes  to  stay 
awhile  himselfe,  to  see  further  successe.  Let  Sam :  come  up 
on  monday  &  bring  my  horse,  for  I  will  leave  my  brother 
heare  awliile ;  let  him  be  heere  on  teusdaye  betymes,  for  I 
would  goe  out  of  London  the  same  daye.  Heere  is  no  newes 
but  of  the  Princes  beinge  at  sea,  where  he  hath  bin  wind  bound 
a  great  while  :  Thus  embracinge  thee  in  the  true  affection  of  a 
faithfuU  husband,  I  will  so  remaine 

"Thine  "John  Winthrop. 

"I  have  nothinge  to  send  thee  but  my  love,  neither  shall  I 
bringe  thee  anythinge  but  my  selfe,  w*^^  I  knowe  wilbe  best 
welcome. 

"London,  Octob  3.  1623." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  most  lovinge  &  deare  Wipe,  —  I  received  thy 
kinde  &  welcome  Lettres,  &  doe  hearty ly  blesse  o""  mercifuU 
God  for  his  gratious  providence  over  thee  &  all^o''  familye.  Oh 
that  we  had  hearts  to  love  him  &  trust  in  him  as  his  kindnesse 
is  towards  us  :  I  am  sory  that  I  cannot  returne  to  thee  so  soone 
as  I  made  account,  for  corninge  to  Childerditch  upon  Saterday 
last,  I  found  my  Cosin  Barfut^  very  ill,  &  decayinge  so  fast  as 
on  mundaye  morninge  I  could  not  leave  him,  so  staying  w* 
him  about  noone  he  comfortably  &  quietly  gave  up  the  Ghost : 
I  sawe  Gods  providence  had  brought  me  thither  to  be  a  stay  & 
comfort  to  hir  in  that  suddaine  tryall,  when  none  of  hir  freinds 
were  w*^'^  hir ;  by  this  occasio  it  was  Wensdaye  night  before  I 


1  I  know  nothing  of  this  cousin  Barfat.  The  name,  spelt  Barfoote,  was  not  undis- 
tingtushed  at  that  time  in  England.  Dr.  John  Barfoote  is  mentioned  by  Walton,  in  his 
Life  of  Hooker,  as  Vice-President  of  Corpus  Christi  College,  Oxford,  and  Chaplain  to 
Ambrose,  Earl  of  Warwick,  1579.  Walter  Barefoote  was  Deputy-Governor  of  New 
Hampshire  in  1685. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  195 

could  gett  to  London  :  where  (I  prayse  God)  I  found  all  well 
except  ray  brother  fFones,  who  is  aguish  &c,  as  he  useth  to  be. 
The  dayes  are  hcere  so  shorte,  &  the  weather  so  could,  as  I 
can  dispatch  no  businesse,  so  that  it  wilbe  the  ende  of  the  next 
weeke  before  I  can  gett  home.  Heer  is  no  certain  newes,  but 
much  expected  w'^'in  fewe  dayes.  Till  I  come,  have  care  of 
thyselfe  &  little  ones  (as  I  knowe  thou  doest)  ;  remember  my 
duty  to  mother  &  my  love  to  M""  Sands  &  all  the  rest.  So 
w*'^  my  kindest  Love  to  my  sweet  wife,  &  my  blessinge  to  o"" 
children,  I  coiiiende  thee  &  all  the  rest  to  the  blessinge  &  pro- 
tectio  of  the  Lord  &  rest,  Thy  faitliful  lovinge  husband 

"John  Winthrop. 

"  My  brother  fFones  &  my  sister  &  my  brother  Downinge 
salute  thee  &  my  mother. 
"Decemb:  11.  1623." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  my  very  lovinge  Wife  Mrs.  Winthrop  at  Groton  in  SuflF'', 

"My  sweet  Spouse, — I  prayse  o'  good  God,  and  doe 
heartylye  reioyce  in  thy  welfare  &  of  the  rest  of  o'"  familye, 
longinge  greatly  to  be  with  thee,  whom  my  soule  delights  in 
above  all  earthly  things  :  these  tymes  of  separation  are  harsh 
&  greivous  while  they  last,  but  they  shall  make  o'"  meetinge 
more  comfortable.  It  wilbe  mundaye  at  night  before  I  can 
come  home.  In  the  meane  tyme  my  heart  shalbe  with  thee,  as 
it  is  allwayes,  &  as  thy  Love  deserves  :  I  am  now  at  Childer- 
ditche^  from  whence  I  cannot  goe  till  Saterdaye,  &  it  wilbe  too 
farre  to  come  home,  so  as  I  entend  to  keepe  the  Lords  daye  at 
S'  Henry  Mildmaies. 

"  The  newes  heer  is  of  a  Parliament  to  beginne  the  xn''*  of 
ffebruary  next.  The  Earle  of  Oxford  came  out  of  the  Tower 
upon  Tuesdaye  last.  Other  thinges  I  shall  relate  to  thee  when 
we  meet :  onely  I  thought  good  to  write  least  thou  shouldst  be 

1  A  parish  in  Essex  County,  about  twenty  miles  from  London. 


196  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

troubled  at  my  not  comlnge  on  Saterdaye  night :  Thus  coin- 
ending  thee  &  all  o^^  to  the  gratious  blessinge  &  holye  provi- 
dence of  o''  heavenly  father,  I  hearty  lye  embrace  my  sweet  wife 
in  the  armes  of  my  best  affections,  ever  resting 

"Thy  faithfull  husband  "J  Winthrop. 

"  Childerditch  Jan :  1.  1623. 

"Let  this  letter  to  Mr.  Gurdon  be  sent  so  soone  as  you 
receive  it." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  My  deare  Wife,  —  I  am  so  streightened  in  tyme  as  I  can 
not  write  to  thee  as  I  desire,  yet  I  would  not  let  a  weeke  passe 
w*^out  lettinge  thee  heare  from  me  :  I  prayse  God,  I  came  well 
to  London,  &  found  all  well  there,  except  my  brother  ffones 
who  is  troubled  w*^'  his  gout,  &  my  Aunt  Egerton  who  hath 
kept  liir  bedd  these  six  weekes.  Heere  is  no  parliam*  newes, 
but  this  day  is  expected  to  bringe  forth  somewhat.  I  hold  my 
purpose  of  being  at  home  on  Wensday  at  the  furthest  (if  God 
will) .  Thus  in  much  hast  w*'^  remembrance  of  my  true  love  to 
thy  sweet  selfe,  my  duty  to  mother  &  blessinges  to  o'  little 
ones,  w*  lovinge  Salutations  from  my  brothers  &  sister  heere, 

1  coinende  you  all  to  the  protection  &  blessinge  of  the  Lord, 
ever  restinge 

'Hhy  faithfull  husband  "John  Winthrop. 

"London,  March  19.  1623." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  most  sweet  heart, — I  received  thy  kinde  Lettre, 
w*^*^  was  truely  wellcome  to  me,  as  a  fruit  of  that  Love  w"'^  I 
have  (&  shall  ever)  esteemed  above  silver  &  golde,  &  cannot 
but  reioyce  more  in  so  kind  a  testimonie  of  it,  then  in  the  rich- 
est present  thou  couldst  have  sent  me.  Now  blessed  be  the  Lo  ; 
our  good  God,  who  giveth  us  still  matter  of  comfort  in  each 
other  &  in  those  w^''  belonge  to  us  :  onely  I  am  greived  for  our 

2  little  Lambes,  the  Lord  keepe  them  &  deliver  them  in  his 
good  tyme.     If  heer  be  any  thinge  w'^''  may  be  good  for  them  I 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  197 

will  .not  forgett  them.  I  pra}  se  God  we  are  all  beer  in  health, 
&  salute  thee  hearty ly,  Avishinge  thee  heer  ofte  if  it  could  be. 
NcAves  beer  is  none  ccrtaine.  I  purpose  (if  God  will)  to  be  at 
Graces  on  Saterday  at  night,  &  so  to  be  at  home  on  mundaye. 
In  the  meane  tyme  I  cease  not  to  comende  thee  &  all  o""  familye 
to  the  gratious  blessinge  &  protection  of  o*^  heavenly  father,  & 
so  w^*^  my  dutye  to  my  mother,  blessinge  to  o''  children,  &  salu- 
tations to  all  etc,  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  remaine  allwayes 

"  thy  faithfull  husband         "  John  "Winthrop. 
"  AVells  bringes  downe  a  trusse. 
"LoNDOX  Octob:  30  1624." 

JoJm  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"My  sweet  Wife, — I  blesse  the  Lorde  for  his  continued 
blessings  upon  thee  and  o*"  familye  :  &  I  thanke  thee  for  thy 
kinde  lettres  :  But  I  knowe  not  what  to  saye  for  myselfe  :  I 
should  mende  &  groAve  a  better  husband,  havinge  the  helpe  & 
example  of  so  good  a  wife,  but  I  growe  still  worse :  I  was 
wonte  heertofore,  when  I  was  longe  absent,  to  make  some 
supplye  w*'^  volumes  of  Lettres  ;  but  I  can  scarce  afforde  thee 
a  few  lines  :  Well,  there  is  no  helpe  but  by  enlarginge  thy 
patience,  &  strengtheninge  thy  good  opinion  of  him,  who  loves 
thee  as  his  owne  soule,  &  should  count  it  his  greatest  Afflictio 
to  Ha'c  without  thee  :  but  because  thou  art  so  deare  to  him,  he 
must  choose  rather  to  leave  thee  for  a  tyme,  than  to  enioye 
thee  :  I  am  sorye  I  must  still  prolonge  thy  expectatio,  for  I 
canot  come  forth  of  London  till  Tuesdaye  at  soonest ;  the  Lorde 
blesse  &  keepe  thee  &  all  o"  &  sende  us  a  ioyfull  meetinge. 
So  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband         "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"My  brother  &  sister  salute  thee,  my  sonne  &  daughter 
remember  their  dutye ;  the  match  goeth  on  fast  enough,  I  am 
like  to  bring  them  downe  w^**  me. 

"  Thy  Syder  was  so  well  liked  that  we  must  needs  have  more 
as  soone  as  thou  canst. 
.  "Nov:  26.  1624." 


198  LITE    AJSTD   LETTERS 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 
"  To  hir  very  Lovinge  husband  John  Winthrope,  Esq.  theese. 
"My  deaee  husband, — I  am  sorj  it  faleth  out  so  that  I 
coulde  not  send  for  thee  at  the  time  appoynted,  by  reson  of  my 
mans  beinge  from  home,  &  the  unfitnesse  of  your  horsses  for 
travill,  that  I  must  be  constrained  to  forbeare  sending  for  thee 
till  I  can  get  meanes,  though  it  be  with  a  great  deale  of  greefe 
to  me  :  I  hope  you  will  not  impute  or  take  it  ill  at  my  hands, 
for  theare  wants  no  wUl  in  me,  but  that  I  wanted  abilyty  to  per- 
forme  it.  My  sonne  came  safe  home  on  fryday,  and  brought 
me  thy  kinde  letter,  with  the  nuse  of  all  your  welfayres  yv^^  I 
desyre  the  lord  longe  to  continue  to  his  glory  &  for  the  good 
of  many  others.  I  shall  thinke  the  tyme  very  longe  before  I  see 
thee ;  I  pray  make  hast  for  thou  shalt  be  very  welcome  :  I  am 
much  indetted  to  my  sister  D  for  hir  kindenesse  to  my  daughter 
M.  I  pray  tel  hir  I  give  hir  many  thankes  for  that,  &  al  other 
fruits  of  hir  love,  and  thus  with  my  best  respect  rememberd  to 
thy  selfe  &  all  the  rest  of  our  friends,  I  desyre  the  lord  to  send 
us  a  comfortable  meetinge  and  commit  thee  to  the  lord. 
"  Your  loving  and  obedient  wife, 

"  Maegaeet  Wintheope. 

"  I  have  now  received  thy  lovinge  letter  by  goodman  N.  and 
rejoyce  that  the  time  is  so  near  whearein  I  shall  see  thee.  I  am 
wel  perswaded  of  thy  love  and  can  see  it  in  a  fewe  lines  as  in  a 
whole  volem  —  my  daughter  M  &  hir  welwiler  shalbe  very  wel- 
com  to  me  if  you  pleas  to  bring  them  —  My  sonne  F.  and  John  ^ 
came  home  on  Saterday  late  from  theare  roveinge,  haveinge  bin 
from  home  two  dayes  &  I  have  well  chid  them  for  theare  paynes  ; 
I  hope  John  wil  make  the  more  hast.  Your  good  servant  remem- 
bers hir  service  and  thankes  you  for  hir  letter,  she  desyreth  to 
be  excused  from  rightinge,  haveinge  many  other  letters  to  right : 


1  The  John  here  mentioned  was  evidently  a  servant,  not  her  son  ;   as  also  was 
"Rob',"  who  is  named  in  one  or  two  of  the  following  letters. 


OF  JOHN  ^^^;NTHEOP.  199 

my  sister  F  wil  tel  John  whare  to  have  a  pUljon  for  M.      I 
thinke  she  ware  best  ryde  dubble."  ^ 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  my  verye  lovinge  vdfe  IMrs.  Winthrop  at  Groton  in  Suff''. 
"My  sweet  Wife,  —  I  prayse  God,  we  came  safe  to  Lon- 
don, where  we  found  all  reasonably  well :  we  came  by  Graces, 
my  Lady  Is  some  what  amended ;  I  purpose  (God  willinge)  to 
returne  thither  againe  either  to  morrowe  or  on  mundaye.  Heer 
is  little  ncAves  :  the  Coronation  is  put  off  till  Maye  &  then  to 
be  performed  privately  :  there  is  order  given  to  the  Bishops  to 
proceed  ag*  the  papists  by  ecc"'^  ^  censures  :  &  muche  speeche  of 
the  Eanges  purpose  to  bringe  the  Queene  to  our  Church :  there 
be  divers  Lords  come  out  of  Scotlande,  then'  busines  is  supposed 
but  not  certainly  knowne.  As  we  came  by  Assington  M'"  Gur- 
don  made  a  motion  of  choosing  the  master  of  the  Wards  ^  for 
one  of  the  Knights  of  om*  shire,  w*^*^  my  brother  Downinge  & 
myself  consideringe  off,  have  -written  to  S"^  Rob*  Crane,  M" 
Bacon,  &  some  others  about  it :  he  is  knowne  to  be  sounde  for 
Religion,  firme  to  the  Com  :  W  :  (for  w*^^  he  suffered  muche) 
&  the  meetest  man  to  further  the  affaires  of  our  Country e,  for 
our  Clothiers  businesses  &c  :  I  would  have  written  to  M''  Sands 
about  it,  but  I  have  not  tyme  :  remember  us  kindly  to  him  & 
she  we  him  this.  Thus  w^  all  o'"  hearty  salutations  (&  my 
humble  duty  remembred  to  my  mother)  to  my  sister  Down- 
ing, thy  selfe,  &c  :  beseechinge  the  good  Lord  so  to  continue 
his  good  providence  over  you  all  &  ourselves,  as  through  his 
mercie  we  may  meet  in  peace,  I  rest  thy  faithful  husbande 

"John  Wintheop. 

"J-Os-Y,   14.  1625. 

1  I  have  had  some  misgivings  about  inserting  Margaret's  first  letter  here;  yet  seve- 
ral passages  of  it  seem  to  be  in  direct  answer  to  the  letter  of  her  husband  which  immedi- 
ately precedes  it.  Her  daughter  Jlary,  however,  must  have  been  rather  young  at  that 
time  to  be  the  subject  of  a  match,  or  even  of  a  "  weU-willer."  She  married  Rev. 
Samuel  Dudley,  seven  or  eight  years  afterwards.  No  record  is  found  of  the  precise  date 
of  her  birth;  but  it  could  hardly  have  been  before  1610. 

2  Clearly  an  abbreviation  for  ecclesiastical. 

8  Probably  Sir  Robert  Naunton,  who,  as  we  shall  see  hereafter,  was  Master  of  the 
Wards  about  this  time. 


200  LITE   AND    LETTERS 

"  Mr.  Downlnge  is  in  London  &  we  should  meet  with  him 
anone.  My  brother  Dow  :  would  have  written  to  my  sister 
BOW,  but  having  many  lettres  to  write  he  must  deferre  till  I 
come." 

John  Winihrop  to  Ms  Wife. 
"  To  his  best  beloved  Mrs.  "Winthrope  the  yoixnger,  at  Groton. 
',  "  My  sweet  Wiee,  — I  prayse  God  I  came  safe  to  London 
on  fridaye,  &  have  continued  in  health  hitherto.  Our  friends 
heare  are  all  in  reasonable  health.  My  brother  Dow  :  is  so 
full  of  businesse  as  I  can  scarce  speake  w*^  him.  I  went  this 
morninge  to  knowe  if  he  would  any  thinge  downe,  but  he  was 
gone  to  Westm'' :  he  tould  me  yesternight,  he  would  deferre  to 
write  or  send  till  I  went.  I  thinke  longe  to  heare  how  thy 
selfe  &  the  rest  doe,  &  till  God  give  me  opportunitye  to  re- 
turne,  w'^'^  I  hope  wilbe  the  next  weeke  :  If  I  wright  not  to  the 
contrary e,  let  Rob*  come  up  on  mundaye :  but  I  shall  write 
Ro-aine  (God  willinge)  on  frydaye  next.  I  send  thee  stockens, 
starch,  silke,  &  other  thinges :  If  thou  wantest  ought  els, 
write  up  this  weeke.  Heere  is  little  newes  stirringe,  this  bearer 
can  tell  thee  all. 

"  God  allmighty  blesse  &  keepe  thee  &  all  ours,  &  our  whole 
company,  &  grant  us  to  meet  with  ioye  &  peace  in  his  good 
tyme  :  be  cheerfull  my  deare  wife,  &  waite  upon  o'  good  God, 
who  hath  allwayes  taken  care  of  us  &  ours,  &  will  not  faUe  o' 
trust  in  him ;  continue  to  praye  for  me,  as  I  doe  for  thee. 
Thus  w*  all  lovinge  Salutations  from  all  o''  good  friends  heere 
to  my  sister  Downinge,  thy  selfe,  w*'^  all  love  &  dutye  to  my 
good  mother,  hearty  blessings  to  o'  children,  &  lovinge  remem- 
brance to  all  the  rest,  I  embrace  thee  in  the  best  Affection  of  a 

lovinge  husband  &  rest 

"Thine  ever  "J.  W. 

"Feb.  13.  1625. 

"  I  have  sent  downe  some  oranges  for  my  sister  Downinge  & 
thee.  Coinende  me  to  my  brother  Gostlin  &  sister :  good  M' 
Ley  his  wife  &  all  o"^  good  neighbours." 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  201 

We  may  conclude  this  chapter  with  a  letter  which  has 
no  address,-^  but  which  was  undoubtedly  written  to  one 
of  his  brothers-in-law,  Fones  or  Gosthn,  in  London,  about 
the  same  time  with  the  two  fu*st  letters  in  this  chapter. 

*■  John  Winthrop  to . 

"  My  good  Brother,  —  I  percleve  my  last  weekes  Lettre 
was  not  come  to  your  hands  when  yours  was  written,  though  I 
doubt  not  but  since  it  is,  &  therefore  I  will  spare  to  write  of 
any  thinge  in  that :  my  mother  (I  prayse  God)  is  well  reco- 
vered &,  remembers  hir  love  to  you  &  to  my  good  sister,  &  so 
dothe  my  wife,  &  we  all  are  gladd  of  the  continuance  of  your 
health  &  of  all  yours.  If  my  Brother  Downinge  goe  for  Irelande 
soe  suddainly,  I  thinke  I  shall  not  see  you  this  winter.  I  have 
assigned  Haxall  2  trees  which  stande  in  the  ditche  waye  be- 
tween Mr.  Brande  &  you ;  we  estimated  them  (being  stubbed) 
jit  2  lodes  &  1^,  so  that  what  he  hath  more  than  his  allowance 
now,  must  be  abated  at  the  next  assignment  (which  he  is  well 
content  with),  if  upon  sisinge  by  workmen  there  fall  out  to 
be  more.  In  that  fence  there  be  divers  places  where  it  cannot  be 
discerned  that  there  hath  been  any  ditch  or  bancke,  so  as  I 
have  a  purpose  to  meet  Mr.  Brande  there  one  day  &  have  it 
viewed  &  agreed  upon.  I  wrote  you  in  my  last  that  Peyton  Hall 
wilbe  sould  ;  it  is  now  oifered  to  any  that  will  buye  it ;  the  rent 
is  300"*  per  an.  &  his  price  is  6000"^:  but  he  must  come  downe 
a  gret  deall  if  he  will  sell  togither,  which  (I  thinke)  will  make 
him  in  the  ende  to  parcell  it  out,  which  yet  he  is  not  wilKng  to 
doe :  I  heare  that  it  is  all  soccage  tenure  (except  40  acres)  ;  it 
is  good  land  but  very  bare  of  wood  &  no  royalty  or  other  ad 
vantage  belonging  to  it,  nor  any  building,  &  farre  from  churchy 
which  defects,  I  suppose,  -wtII  discourage  aK/  great  purchase*- 
&  Sir  Da\ad  must  needs  sell,  and  that  speecrilve,.     Thus  wit^a 

1  The  address  of  this  letter,  and  those  of  many  others  which  precede  and  follow  it 
seem  to  have  been  torn  off  for  the  sake  of  the  paper;  probably  on  this  side  of  th« 
ocean,  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  the  commodity  in  New  England  in  the  early  days  ot 
the  Colony. 

26 


202  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

my  heartyest  salutations  to  your  selfe,  my  sister  &  all  yours,  I 
commend  you  to  grace  &  blessing  of  our  heavenly  father,  who 
keepe  &  guide  us  in  all  our  wayes,  to  feare  &  trust  in  him,  so  I 
rest 

"  Your  lovinge  brother  "  John  Winthrop. 

"November  11.  1623. 

"  I  praye  when  you  goe  by  Paul's  buye  me  the  book  of  the 
relation  of  the  Blackfryars  accident,^  &  remember  my  Respects 
&c. 

"You  shall  receive  by  "Welles  a  Rundlett  of  our  cider,  it 
wilbe  fitt  to  drink  by  Christyde,  &  if  you  like  it,  you  shall  have 
more  in  Lent,  when  I  broache  my  hoggeshead. 

"  Broache  it  not  too  lowe  at  first  because  the  grounds  are  in 
it ;  you  shal  not  need  open  it  for  there  is  mustardseed  in  it  all- 
readye." 


1  The  book  here  referred  to  was  undoubtedly  that  of  which  Lowndes's  Manual  gives  ' 
the  following  title :  "  The  doleful  Even  Song,  or  a  true  Narration  of  that  Calamity  which 
befel  Mr.  Drurye,  a  Jesuite,  and  the  greater  Part  of  his  Auditory,  by  the  Downfall  of  the 
Floore  of  an  Assembly  in  the  Black-friers  on  Sunday,  the  26  of  Octob.  last "  [1623]. 


OF  JOHN   WINTELROP.  203 


CHAPTER    XI. 

LETTEES  TO  HIS  SON  ABOUT  HIS  STUDY  OF  THE  LAW,  AND  PLANS 
OF  LIFE,  1624-26  ;  WITH  SOME  ACCOUNT  OF  HIS  OWN  PEO- 
FESSIONAL  CAEEEE  IN  ENGLAND. 

John  Winthrop,  the  younger,  having  completed  his 
course  at  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  was  in  London  in  the 
year  1624-5,  staymg  with  his  uncle  Fones,  and  engaged 
in  the  study  of  the  law.  The  five  letters  from  his 
father,  which  are  here  given  in  succession,  were  written 
to  him'  durmg  the  two  or  three  years  of  his  legal  prepa- 
rations.^ The  first  of  them  (dated  Feb.  22)  refers  to  his 
not  having  been  yet  "  admitted,"  without  saying  exactly 
to  what:  but  the  letter  could  have  hardly  more  than 
reached  its  destmation  before  the  admission  had  taken 
place  ;  and  the  record  is  still  extant,  as  follows  :  — 

"  John  "Winthrop,  son  &  heir  of  John  Winthrop  of  Groton,  in  the 
County  of  Suffolk,  admitted  to  the  Inner  Temple  28  Feb^,  1624."2 

These  letters  contain  some  interesting  items  of  domes- 
tic and  local  life ;  among  which  will  be  observed  the 
birth  of  another  son,  and  the  death  and  biuial  of  the 


1  These  five  letters,  and  all  the  other  letters  in  this  chapter  except  two,  are  here 
printed  for  the  first  time. 

2  I  was  indebted  to  my  friend  Judge  Warren  for  this  excerpt  from  the  Temple  Re- 
cords, which  he  kindly  searched  at  my  request,  while  we  were  in  London  together,  in 
1860.  There  was  a  subsequent  record,  as  follows :  "  John  Winthrop,  gentleman,  specially 
admitted  29  June,  1628."    This  may  have  referred  to  the  elder  Winthrop. 


204  LIFE   AJSTD   LETTEES 

worthy  and  venerable  pastor  of  Groton,  Henry  Sands, 
between  whom  and  the  "Winthrop  Family  there  seems  to 
have  been  so  strong  an  attachment. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 
"  To  my  beloved  Sonne  Jolm  Winthrop. 

"My  belov:ed  Sonne, — I  beseech  o^  heavenly  father  to 
blesse  thee.  I  received  yo'"  lettre,  &  am  gladd  of  yo""  healthe, 
but  should  yet  be  more  gladd,  if  I  could  heare  that  you  were 
resolved  upon  any  good  course  for  the  employment  of  yo^  life 
&  talents.  I  desire  but  that  yo''  iudgm*  may  be  once  rightly 
informed,  &  then  lett  God  dispose  of  you  as  he  please.  I  per- 
ceive you  are  not  yet  admitted,  &  I  am  now  offered  a  place  in 
the  Temple  w^^  Mr.  Gurdons  sonne,  where  you  may  have  a 
Chamber  freely  for  the  most  parte  of  the  yeare ;  but  I  referre 
this  &  the  rest  to  suche  good  advise  as  yo""  freinds  there  shall 
give  you.  God  give  you  an  heart  to  be  guided  aright  in  all  yo^* 
wayes.  I  shall  thinke  longe  to  heare  somewhat  of  yo'  settled- 
uesse.  Yo^  grandmother  &  mother  salute  &  blesse  you ;  they 
w*^  the  rest  of  o"^  family  &  yo""  new  brother  Nath,^  are  in  reason- 
able healthe  (I  prayse  God).  So  havinge  many  lettres  to 
write,  I  will  ende  for  this  tyme,  &  coinendinge  you  againe  & 
againe  to  o*"  heavenly  father,  I  rest 

"Yo'  lovinge  father,  most  studious  of  yo"^  welfare, 

"J:  W: 
"Feb.  22.  1624 

"Remember  me  most  kindly  to  yo"^  good  Aunt  ffones." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  beloved  Sonne  John  Winthrop. 

"My  beloved  Sonne, — I  blesse  o'good  God  for  the  con- 
tinuance of  yo'"  healthe  &  his  blessinge  upon  you,  &  I  day  lye 
beseeche  him  of  his  great  mercie  to  guide  &  prosper  you  in  aU 

1  He  was  baptized  Feb.  20, 1624 ;  and  died  young. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  205 

yo'"  wajes,  &  to  make  you  a  true  servant  to  his  name  &  glorye 
heere,  &  in  the  ende  give  you  a  place  in  the  kingclome  of  liia 
glorye,  Amen.  I  doe  muche  desire  that  you  should  familiar 
yo*"  selfe  w*'^  Mr.  Gurdon  (to  whom  I  desire  to  be  kindly 
remembered) ,  &  for  this  ende  &  the  better  opportunyty  of  fol- 
lowinge  yo''  studyes  I  shall  A\nsh  you  in  Coiiions  as  soone  as 
shall  be  fitt,  but  I  would  not  hasten  to  preiudice  yo'  heal  the,  & 
so  I  leave  it.  You  write  for  sheetes,  w*^^  (if  I  had  knowne 
yo''  want)  should  not  have  been  now  to  provide  :  we  have  none 
at  this  tyme  fitt  for  you,  therefore  desire  yo""  Aunt  ffones  to 
helpe  you  buye  some  clothe  &  gett  them  made ;  the  lesse  will 
serve  because  you  lye  alone.  I  have  searched  in  the  study e  for 
the  Grogeram  but  can  finde  none.  If  I  meet  w*'^  it  I  will  sende 
it  you.  Yo''  grandmother  &  mother  are  in  healthe,  they  salute 
&  blesse  you ;  Yo*"  brother  Deane  is  verye  ill  of  an  ague  &c. 
The  blessing  of  the  Lord  Jesus  be  ever  upon  you.  So  I  rest 
yo''  lovinge  father  "  John  Winthrop. 

"March  15.  1621. 

"  I  meane  to  speake  w*^  olde  Mr.  Gurdon  about  the  sale  of 
Nusted  as  soone  as  I  can." 


John  Winthrop  to' his  Son. 

"  To  my  lovinge  Sonne  John  "Winthrop. 

"My  beloved  Sonne, — Ibeseeche  the  Lorde  to  continue 
&  encrease  his  Messing  uppon  thee  :  I  am  glad  to  heare  of  thy 
wellfare :  ffor  y°'  returne  there  is  now  a  fitt  opportunitye 
offered,  for  M"".  Gurdon  comes  upp  uppon  wensdaye  or  thurs- 
daye,  &  you  may  come  downe  upon  his  horse,  &  sende  downe 
suche  thinges  as  you  shall  need  heere  by  the  Carrier  or  some  of 
o''  honest  neighbors,  if  you  meet  w**^  them.  Sir  Hen  :  Mild- 
maye  &  his  lady  are  very  desirous  you  should  come  by  them, 
&  were  allmost  displeased  w**^  me  that  you  came  not  by  them 
as  you  went  up.  If  you  like  not  to  come  that  waye  (w*^'^  yet  I 
had  rather,  but  will  not  urge  you)  it  may  be  my  neighbo''  Cole 


206  LITE   AND   LETTEES 

wilbe  ready  to  come  w*^  you  on  friday.  We  are  all  heere  in 
health,  I  prayse  God.  Y°''  grandmother  &  mother  salute  and 
blesse  you,  but  you  coinitt  an  error  in  not  remembring  your 
dutye  to  them,  &  y"""  grandmother  is  not  pleased  that  you  never 
write  to  hir.  So  soone  as  Mr.  Gurdons  horse  comes  to  towne, 
take  charge  of  him  &  paye  for  his  meale,  allowing  a  peck  of 
Gates  a  daye  besides  haye,  &  have  care  that  he  be  well  shodd 
&  take  no  harme.     farewell. 

"  Yo""  lovinge  father  "  JoHN  Winthrop. 

"Aprh^l  4.  1625." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  his  lovinge  Sonne  Jolin  Winthrop  at  the  three  fawnes  in  the  old 
Bayly,  London. 

"My  good  Sonne, — I  received  yo'"  Lettre  &  the  things 
yf<^^  you  sent,  &  doe  prayse  God  for  his  gratious  protectio  over 
you  in  yo""  io''nye,  beseechinge  his  heavenly  majestic  day  lye  to 
take  care  of  that  soule  &  life  &c,  w'^^  he  hathe  pleased  to  lende 
you,  that  himselfe  may  have  glorye  &  you  peace  &  safetye  in 
the  imployment  of  them.  The  suddaine  newes  of  this  messin- 
ger,  &  my  other  occasions  hinders  me  from  writinge  to  y'"  2 
unckles  this  weeke  ;  you  must  supplye  that  defecte  by  remem- 
bringe  us  all  kindly  to  them  &  yo""  Aunts  &  cosins  :  "We  are  in 
healthe  as  you  lefte  us  (I  prayse  God),  Luce  &  the  rest,  onely 
Rob*  hathe  an  ague.  Mr.  Sands  is  now  hastinge  to  his  last 
period,  &  not  like  (in  mans  Judgment)  to  live  another  week  : 
The  good  Lo  :  in  mercye  carrye  him  on  w*'^  peace  into  the  haven 
of  rest,  &  teache  us  all  how  to  make  right  use  of  suche  a  losse. 
Yo'"  grandmother  &  mother  salute  &  blesse  you  &  yo*"  sister ;  I 
comende  you  bothe  to  his  mercifull  protectio  &  holy  govern- 
ment, &  rest 

'  "  Yo""  lovinge  father  "  John  Winthrop. 

"Nov.  6,  1626." 


OF  JOHN  WINTirROP.  207 


John  Wintkrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  lovinge  sonne  Jolin  Winthrop. 

"My  GOOD  SONISTE, — I  received  yo''  lettre  :  &  doe  felesse 
God  for  the  continuance  of  yo""  healthe  &  of  all  o""  good  friends 
Avlvere  you  are.  The  Lord  longe  continue  peace  and  blessinge 
to  you  all.  We  all  likewise  (through  his  mercye)  continue  in 
healthe,  onely  Rob*  hathe  been  sick  this  senight,  &  Luce  hath 
had  some  gruchings  of  liir  Ague  againe,  &  tliis  daye  yo'"  grand- 
mother hathe  not  been  well,  but  she  hathe  made  shifte  to  goe 
see  Luce.  I  wrote  the  last  weeke  of  the  great  declininge  of  o' 
Rev'*  &  worthy e  freinde  IVIr.  Sands,  whose  ende  was  then  at 
hande,  for  he  finished  his  course  in  happie  peace  on  teusdaye 
last  about  one  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoone,  &  was  buried  on 
thursdaye  afternoon,  Mr.  Stansby  preaching  upon  1  Sam : 
25.  1.  So  as  we  are  now  very  much  destitute,  Mr.  Nicolson 
beinge  allmost  blinde  &c :  So  as  we  must  looke  out  some 
assistant  for  him,  some  single  man,  that  may  make  shifte  w*** 
smale  meanes,  while  Mr.  Nicholson  lives.  — Diverse  of  o''  neigh- 
bor ministers  have  coiuended  to  me  M"^  S.^  of  S'  Jo  :  &  o'  parish 
doe  muche  aiFecte  &  desire  him  :  I  praye  God  guide  us  all  to  a 
good  choyse,  for  he  knowes  I  looke  not  at  mine  owne  advan- 
tage, but  the  Churches  wellfare.  Yo'"  grandmother  &  mother 
salute  and  blesse  you  &  yo""  sister.  Remember  us  all  to  yo"" 
good  Aunts  &  Cosins.     God  AUmighty  blesse  you  ever 

"  Yo""  lovinge  father  "  John  Wintheop. 

[Nov.  1626.] 

"  Yo'"  mother  desires  yo'  A :  fFones  to  buye  hir  4  :  oz  :  more 
of  the  blacke  worsted  she  sent  hir  before.  We  want  white 
starche.  I  knowe  not  where  you  keepe.  I  praye  goe  see  M"". 
Culverwell  &  carrye  him  my  lettre ;  &  goe  see  my  Cosin 
Kayne  w'^''  was  my  Cosin  Peitall,    yo'   owne   mothers   deare 

1  Subsequent  letters  will  show  that  this  was  Mr.  Simonds. 


208  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

freinde,  &  comende  me  &  mj  mother  to  hir.  Ste  dwells  In 
Gratious  Street,  a  little  beneatlie  the  Condultt.  Comende  me 
very  kindly  to  Mr.  Warre  the  elder  If  you  see  him. 

"I  heard  not  this  weeke  of  Mr.  Gm'don ;  If  you  see  him, 
remember  me  to  him  &c." 

During  the  autumii  of  1626,  John  Winthrop,  the 
younger,  was  evidently  contemplating  a  matrimonial 
arrangement.  He  seems  to  have  asked  his  father's 
advice  on  the  subject ;  and  one  or  two  of  the  following 
letters  will  be  found  to  contain  some  very  plain  and  pru- 
dent counsel  in  reply,  not  unworthy,  perhaps,  of  a  wider 
apphcation.  As  nothing  came  of  the  consultation,  it 
may  be  inferred  that  John  did  not  fancy  his  "  somewhat 
crooked  "  cousin.  Waldegrave ;  ^  and  perhaps  that  Miss 
Pettual,  or  Peitall  (whichever  be  the  name),^  did  not 
fancy  John.  Meantime,  the  father's  concern  for  his  son's 
spiritual  welfare  was  evidently  not  diminished  by  the 
interest  which  he  was  taking  in  his  temporal  advance- 
ment. Nothing  could  be  terser  or  more  emphatic  than 
this :  "  Mr.  Rogers  hath  set  forth  a  little  book  of  faith ; 
buy  it."  ^    But  several  of  these  letters  deal  also  with  public 


1  The  father  of  Thomasine  Clopton,  the  second  wife  of  Gov.  Winthrop,  married  a 
daughter  of  Edward  Waldegrave,  Esq.,  of  Essex  County. 

2  I  find  on  a  copy  of  the  Forth  Pedigree,  for  which  I  am  indebted  to  my  friend 
Richard  Almaclt,  Esq.,  of  Long  Melford,  Suffolk  County,  Eng.,  that  Elizabeth  Forth,  a 
cousin  of  Winthrop's  first  wife,  married  a  merchant  of  London,  named  Poyntell;  and 
this  may,  perhaps,  be  the  true  name. 

3  This  was  "  The  Doctrine  of  Faith,  Wherein  are  practically  handled  twelve  princi- 
pal! points,  which  explain  the  Nature  and  Use  of  it.  By  Jo.  Rogers,  Preacher  of  God's 
Word  at  Dedham  in  Essex."  It  was  dedicated  to  three  ladies,  one  of  whom  was  Win- 
throp's cousin,  the  Lady  Mildmay,  as  follows:  "To  the  Right  Worshipful,  the  Lady 
Mildmay,  wife  of  Sir  Henry  Mildmay  of  Graces,  and  to  Mistris  Helen  Bacon  of  Shrib- 
land  Hall,  and  to  INIistris  Gurdon,  wife  to  Master  Branton  Gurdon  of  Assington ;  the 
Author  prayeth  all  increase  of  Faith,  many  good  dayes  here,  and  eternall  life  in  the 
Kingdome  of  H«»avei>"     It  had  reached  the  eighth  edition  in  1640. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  209 


men  and  public  afFaii-s,  and  show  that  their  writer  was 
taking  an  active  interest  in  all  that  was  occurring  at  the 
time.  The  letter  of  Dec.  18,  in  particular,  would  imply 
that  he  had  been  concerned  in  some  exciting  controversy 
at  Bury.  It  undoubtedly  related  to  the  t}  rannical  mea- 
sures of  the  Crown  for  cxtortmg  a  forced  Loan. 


John  Winthrojp  to  his  Son. 
"  To  my  loving  Son,  John  "Winthrop. 

"My  good  Son,  — I  received  your  letter,  and  do  bless  God 
for  the  continuance  of  your  health,  and  of  all  our  good  friends 
at  London ;  but  I  had  no  letters  from  any  of  them.  For  the 
matter  wliich  you  write  of,  I  can  give  you  no  advice ;  for  I 
must  deal  plainly  and  faithfully  with  all  men,  and  especially 
with  my  inAvard  friends.  So  it  is,  that  I  have  had  lately  some 
speech  with  my  cousm  Waldegrave,  about  matcliing  you  with 
his  younger  daughter,  which  I  have  referred  to  your  own 
liking ;  but  yet  I  cannot  in  honesty  enter  treaty  for  another, 
tUl  he  hath  some  determinate  answer.  It  is  a  religious  and  a 
worshipful  Tamily ;  but  how  the  woman  wiU  like  you,  I  know 
not,  for  she  is  somewhat  crooked.  I  will  neither  persuade 
you  to  that,  nor  dissuade  you  from  this  or  any  other,  which 
you  shall  desire,  that  may  be  fitting  for  my  estate,  and  hopeful 
of  comfort  to  you,  which  is  not  to  be  judged  of  only  by  wealth 
and  person,  but  by  meet  parts  and  godly  education.  I  trust 
you  will  mind  well  that  saying.  Deliberandum  est  diu,  quod  staiu- 
endum  est  semel. 

"I  praise  God,  we  continue  all  in  health,  as  you  left  us, 
and,  when  you  are  weary  of  London,  will  be  glad  to  see  you 
and  your  sister  at  home ;  but  take  your  OAvn  time  before  the 
holidays.  Your  grandmother  and  mother  salute  and  bless  you 
and  yoiu  sister.  Your  mother  thanks  you  for  the  things  wliich 
you  sent  her.     Eemember  us  very  kindly  to  your  uncles  and 

27 


210  LITE    AISTD    LETTEES 

aunts,  and  to  all  our  cousins  and  good  friends.     The  good  Lord 
guide,  protect,  and  bless  you  in  all  your  ways. 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  John  Wintheop. 

"November  21,  1626. 

"I  pray  buy  me  a  pair  of  stirrup  stockens,  the  warmest  you 
can  get ;  and  when  you  go  near  the  bridge,  on  Fish  Street 
Hill  dwells  one  that  sells  lines  and  packthread,  —  buy  some 
lines  to  raise  up  the  long  net,  and  some  packthread  to  do  it. 
A  hair  line  were  best  for  the  leads." 


John  Wintkrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  lovinge  Sonne  John  Winthrop  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Downinge 
in  flOleet  St  over  ag'"  the  Conduit,  London. 

"My  good  Sonne,  — I  received  y'^-Lettre  &  doe  blesse  the 
Lorde  for  the  continuinge  of  yo''  heal  the,  w*^^  (through  his  mer- 
cye)  we  all  likewise  enioye.  fFor  yo'  returninge  home  sooner 
or  later,  I  leave  you  to  yo'"  selfe  &  yo'  good  freinds  w*^  whom 
you  are  :  all  the  inconvenience  of  yo'  tarrienge  is  that  I  shalbe 
too  burdensome  to  them,  except  I  may  paye  for  yo""  diet:  but 
we  shall  agree  for  these  tliinges.  fFor  yo'  Clothes,  I  tliinke  fitt 
you  should  have  a  newe  suite,  &  for  that  I  will  sende  you  up 
moneye  so  soone  as  it  comes  to  hande.  I  spake  last  weeke  w"* 
my  cosin  Waldegrave  &,  in  a  lovinge  respecte  to  each  others 
good,  we  are  both  at  lib*^®.  Therefore  if  a  good  occasio  be 
offered  you  may  certifie  me  of  it.  Mr.  Simonds  is  now  w*'^ 
us,  but  yet  not  certaine  of  his  acceptinge  the  place,  for  the 
meanes  w'^^  we  can  promise,  whilest  Mr.  Nicholson  lives,  are 
so  smale,  as  he  is  very  doubtfull  whither  he  maye  leave  so  good 
&  certaine  a  Conditio  for  one  y*  is  smale  &  incertaine.  If  he 
refuse  it,  I  knowe  not  where  we  can  be  so  well  in  all  respects. 
I  praye  God  of  his  mercye  dispose  all  for  the  best.  All  things 
continue  heere  as  you  lefte  them  :  the  Lorde  blesse,  directe,  & 
prosper  you  allwayes.  This  is  the  prayer  &  salut"  w'^'*  yo"" 
grandmother,  jo^  mother  &  myselfe  sende  to  you  &  jo^  sister. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  211 

Coinende  us  to  yo'"  good  Aunts  &  Cosins.  S''  Nath  :  Barnard- 
iston  lodged  w*''  us  one  night  last  weeke  &  5^0''  brother  is  heer 
still ;  but  J\lr.  Smith  came  not.  If  there  be  any  Curant"'  or 
other  likely  newes  sende  it  downe,     So  I  rest 

"  Yo'^  loving  fiither  "  John  Winthrop. 

"Dec:  4.  1626." 

JaJm  TVinfhroj)  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  lovinge  Sonne  John  Winthrop  at  the  three  ffawnes  in  the  olde 
Baylye,  London. 

"My  good  Sonne, — I  wrote  not  the  last  weeke,  trustinge 
to  Lewes  Kelby  his  coihinge  to  London,  who  failed,  &  went 
not ;  &  besides  it  was  a  tyme  of  muche  businesse  cS:  disti-action, 
which  tooke  up  my  minde  more  than  ordinarylye.  What  the 
carriage  &  issue  of  these  late  affaires  hath  been  in  our  Coun- 
trye,  you  shall  knowe  by  my  lettres  to  your  unckle  :  I  made 
no  other  accompt  but  to  have  been  at  London  before  this  letter, 
but  it  hath  seemed  good  to  the  Lords  most  wise  providence  to 
dispose  otherwise  of  it,  as  you  may  know  by  that  my  letter. 
Sir  Nath  :  Barnardiston  came  not  to  Burye  till  Saturday  neare 
noone,  when  all  was  doone,  &  when  I  was  come  out  of  towne 
the  Lords  sent  for  liim,  but  what  conclusion  he  made  with 
them  I  doe'  not  heare.  When  you  have  read  your  unckles  letter, 
I  wish  you  would  goe  into  Southwark  to  the  Marshallsea,  & 
remember  my  Love  and  service  to  Sir  Francis  Barrington,^  & 
acquaint  him  how  thinges  have  gone  in  our  Countrye,  but  you 
must  doe  it  in  private.  I  prayse  God  we  are  all  here  in  health. 
Your  grandmother  &  mother  salute  &  bless  you.  The  good 
Lord  blesse  you  &  sanctifie  you  throughout,  &  prepare  &  fitt 
you  a  vessell  for  his  kingdom,  &  guide  us  all  wisely  &  faith- 
fully in  the  middest  of  the  dangers  &  discouragements  of  these 
declining  tymes  :  farewell. 

"  Your  loving  father  "  J.  WmxHROP. 

"Dec"  18  1626." 

1  Sir  Francis  was  doubtless  in  prison  for  resisting  the  forced  loan;  as  Sir  Nath. 
Barnardiston  certainly  was,  not  far  from  the  same  time. 


212  LITE    AND   LETTEES 


John  Winihrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  loving  Son,  John  Winthrop,  at  the  House  of  Mr.  Downing,  at 
the  Sign  of  the  Bishop,  over  against  the  Conduit,  in  Fleet  street, 
London. 

"  My  good  Son,  —  I  wrote  the  last  week  so  far  as  my 
paper  would  reach.  I  hope  you  received  my  letters,  which  I 
desire  to  understand  from  you,  for  Jarvice  his  man  had  them. 
I  bless  God  for  your  health  and  welfare ;  but  we  now  think 
long  to  have  you  at  home,  for  your  brother^  is  to  return  to 
Cambridge,  and  then  we  shall  be  alone ;  but  if  there  be  any 
good  occasion  to  stay  you  still,  I  will  not  urge  your  hasty 
return.  Touching  the  matter  of  Mr.  Pettuall,  (though  I  can 
give  no  direct  answer  where  nothing  is  propounded,  yet)  thus 
much  in  general,  where  I  may  have  more  money,  I  can  depart 
with  the  more  land.  I  pray  God  give  you  wisdom  and  grace  to 
discern  of  meet  gifts,  and  a  disposition  that  may  promise  hope 
of  a  comfortable  life  in  the  fear  of  God  ;  otherwise  (if  you 
can  so  content  your  own  mind)  you  were  better  live  as  you  are. 
But  I  commit  this,  and  all  our  other  affairs,  to  the  only  wise 
providence  of  our  heavenly  Father. 

"  We  have  had  much  ado  for  a  minister,  since  Mr.  SImonds 
refused  it.  Groton  Church  did  not  aiford  such  variety  of  gifts 
in  divers  years  before.  We  have  many  suitors,  that  would 
take  It  at  a  mean  rate ;  but  for  such  as  are  worthy,  all  the 
difficulty  is  to  get  maintenance  enough.  We  are  now  (by 
God's  providence)  like  to  fasten  upon  a  godly  man,  one  Mr. 
Lea,^  a  curate  at  Denston  in  Suffolk,  a  man  of  very  good 
parts,  but  of  a  melancholic  constitution,  yet  as  sociable  and 
full  of  good  discourse  as  I  have  known.     All  the  parish  are 


1  Forth,  who  had,  in  April  before,  been  admitted  of  Emanuel,  and  matriculated 
4th  July,  in  the  rank  of  pensioner. 

2  He  was  afterwards  settled  at  Groton.  The  name  was  William  Leigh.  He  was  son  of 
Ralph  Leigh,  a  Cheshire  man,  who  had  been  a  soldier  under  the  Earl  of  Essex  at  Cadiz ; 
and  married  Eliz.  Newton,  a  daughter  of  a  fellow  of  St.  John's,  Cambridge,  and  a  preacher 
at  Bury  St.  Edmund's. — Eev.  Jos.  Hunter,  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  vol.  x.  3d  ser.  p.  156. 


OF  JOHN   AVINTHROP.  213 

very  earnest  with  me  to  take  liim  ;  but  I  have  taken  a  little 
respite,  because  he  is  but  a  stranger  to  me,  but  well  kno^yn  to 
divers  in  the  town.  He  was  Mr.  Simond's  pupil.  I  purpose 
to  send  up  £10  for  my  A.  B.^  if  T  can  hear  of  any  fit  party ; 
if  not,  you  should  receive  some  money  of  your  uncle  Downing 
for  Mr.  John  Brande.  Lay  out  £10  of  that,  and  I  will  restore 
it,  for  I  have  the  money  by  me.  Be  not  known  to  any  body 
of  any  money  you  receive  for  Mr.  Brande  ;  but  fail  not  to 
write  me  word  this  week  of  the  receipt  of  it.  You  may  speak 
to  your  uncle  about  it,  lest  he  should  forget  it.  Mr.  Rogers 
hath  set  forth  a  little  book  of  faith.  Buy  it.  I  want  a  pair 
of  plain,  ordinary  knives,  and  some  leaf  tobacco  and  pipes. 
You  may  buy  these  things  at  your  leisure ;  as  likewise  some 
packthread  and  lines,  hemp  ones,  if  you  will.  Your  grand- 
mother and  mother  salute  and  bless  you.  The  good  Lord  bless 
you  ever.     Farewell. 

"  Your  loving  father,         "  John  Winthrop. 
"J.^-UARY  9,  1626. 

"I  shoidd  have  sent  up  some  fowls  this  week  if  they  had 
been  fat." 

We  come  now  to  a  letter  from  Joliu  Winthrop,  the 
younger,  to  his  father,  sent  by  an  express  messenger 
from  London,  Avhich  helps  us  to  unravel  a  family  mys- 
tery. The  father,  in  a  letter  to  his  wife,  of  uncertam 
date,  which  has  already  been  printed  in  the  Appendix 

to  the  History  of  New  England,  and  which  will  be  found 

ft 

1  An  "  A.B.,"  on  our  side  of  the  ocean,  would  stand  for  a  degree  of  Bachelor  of 
Arts.  Ten  pounds  would  have  been  a  large  price  to  pay  for  one,  however;  and  Winthrop 
would  have  been  a  little  old  at  this  period  to  purchase  one.  In  England,  too,  the  letters 
indicating  such  a  degree  are  always  reversed.  But  after  having  repeatedly  puzzled  my 
brain  over  this  paragraph,  in  the  notion  that  it  might  be  a  confirmation  of  the  idea,  that 
Wmthrop  had,  in  some  way  or  other,  entitled  himself  to  a  place  on  the  University  roll, 
it  was  an  amusing  relief  to  find,  among  the  old  family  papers  recently  discovered,  seve- 
ral little  quarterly  receipts,  indorsed  "  Aunt  Branch,  £10  "  !  The  receipts  are  all  signed 
"Eeynold  Branch;  "  and  are  given  in  behalf  of  his  wife  Elizabeth,  for  whom  Winthrop 
held  an  annuity  of  forty  pounds. 


214  LIFE   AKD   LETTERS 

hereafter  in  this  volume,  tells  her,  "  My  office  is  gone ; " 
and  it  has  never  been  exactly  ascertained  to  what  office 
he  referred.  Here  is  the  clew ;  and,  in  connection  with 
it,  we  may  find  fit  occasion  for  adding  some  brief  account 
of  Winthrop's  professional  career  in  England. 

John  Winthrop  Jr.  to  his  Father. 

"  To  the  Wor"  his  very  loving  father  Mr.  Winthrop  at  his  house  in 
Groton  these  deliver  swift: 

"Most  Loving  father,  —  My  duty  remembred  to  your 
selfe,  my  mother  &  grandmother,  \f^'^  my  love  to  my  brothers 
&  the  rest  of  o''  freinds.  The  occasion  of  my  sending  thus 
hastily  is  this  :  that  whereas  M"^  Lattimer  one  of  the  Atturnies 
of  the  Court  of  Wards  is  yesterday  dead,  so  as  now  that  place 
is  void,  my  uncle  Downing  willed  me  to  give  you  speedy  notice 
of  it  &  desire  you  to  come  up  w"*  all  speed  you  can  to 
London ;  for  the  M"^  is  now  out  of  towne  &  doth  not  returne 
till  Saterday  nexte,  &  he  would  have  you  be  here  before  his 
comming  hotne  that  you  might  ride  some  way  out  of  towne  to 
meete  him,  because  he  feareth  that  if  it  be  not  granted  present- 
ly at  his  comming  home,  or  before,  the  Kings  or  Dukes  letter 
may  be  a  meanes  to  make  it  be  disposed  of  some  other  way ; 
therefore  if  you  have  a  mind  to  it,  my  uncle  thinkes  it  will  be 
your  best  course  to  be  heare  upon  friday  at  furthest,  &  he  will 
use  all  the  meanes  he  can  to  obteyne  it  for  you,  &  in  the  meane 
tyme,  if  he  can  by  any  meanes,  he  will  write  into  the  country 
to  the  M''  about  it.  Thus  hoping  to  see  you  soone  at  London 
I  desire  your  prayers  &  blessing  &  so  rest 

"  Your  Obedient  Sonne  "  John  Winthrop. 

"London.  Jan:  14,  1626. 

"  The  bearer  hath  promised  to  be  w*^  you  by  tomorrow  at 
night.  I  agreed  w*^  liim  for  5^  for  the  whole  iournie,  whereof 
I  have  given  him  2  already,  but  if  he  performeth  his  promise  I 
pray  gi^^e  him  5  or  6  more,  for  it  wilbe  cheaper  tlien  I  could 
have  had  any  other. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  215 


"  Since  the  writing  of  my  letter  my  uncle  Downing  himselfe 
hath  written.  We  are  all  well  save  little  George  ^  who  hath 
hadd  one  sore  fitt  of  an  ague. 

"  I  think  there  is  no  great  hast  of  sending  up  my  Cozen 
Jeames  ~  so  he  be  from  Ipswich,  therefore  I  thinke  it  would  be 
good  to  keepe  him  at  Groton  still  this  cold  wether." 


We  know  not  how  far  the  father  conformed  to  these 
urgent  suggestions  of  his  son.  We  doubt  a  little  whe- 
ther he  hurried  down  to  London,  and  rode  "  some  way 
out  of  town"  to  meet  the  Master  of  the  Wards,  and 
waylay  Mm  with  an  application  for  a  place  just  vacated 
by  death.  It  does  not  look  altogether  in  keeping 
with  his  dignity  of  character.  Yet  such  things  were 
doubtless  done  in  those  days,  as  they  are  in  these,  by 
worthy  men.  At  all  events,  the  appointment  was 
obtauied ;  and  many  papers  are  left,  which  prove  that 
the  elder  Winthrop  held  this  position  for  several  years. 
Among  them  is  the  following  letter,  addressed  distinctly 
"  To  my  worthie  lovinge  fFryende  Mr.  Wynthrope,  one 
of  the  Attumies  in  his  Highness  Courte  of  Wards  & 
Lyvereyes,  at  his  chamber  neere  the  inner  temple  in 
Fleete  Streete,  London :  "  — 

John  Bowen  to  John  Winthrop. 

"Mr.  Wixthrope, — I  coiiiend  me  unto  you  with  thankes 
for  your  love  &  care  in  my  buy  sines  the  last  tearme  cfec.  I  have 
sent  you  the  Comission  &  our  answers  hereinclosed  accordinge 
to   the   effect   of  the   sayd  Commission,   the  which  you   shall 


1  Afterwards  Sir  George  Downing. 

2  James  Do^-ning,  the  son  of  Emanuel  by  his  first  wife,  and  named  after  his  grand- 
father Sir  James  Ware. 


216  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

receave  by  my  loveing  iFrynd  &  kinsman  Mr.  Roger  Mortymer 
—  prayinge  you  to  deliver  it  into  the  office  that  there  be  noe 
advantage  had  against  us ;  &  although  it  is  returnable  mense 
michael :  yet  I  doubt  not  but  you  M^ill  se  that  there  be  noe 
advantage,  beinge  returned  within  the  tearme,  for  verily e  I 
could  not  returne  it  rather,  by  any  trustie  messenger.  I  praye 
you  that  you  will  motion  the  Court  for  dismission  for  us,  that 
we  may  may  be  at  libertie  to  proceed  in  chauncerie  where  my 
suyte  dependeth,  &  that  Lewis  John  Ap  howell  and  Ann  his 
wiefe  may.  be  lycensed  to  proceede  in  the  Comon  lawe  for  the 
lands  in  Merthrie  &  Llandeloy,  as  well  by  reason  that  they 
are  poore,  as  allsoe  that  the  sayd  ward  is  of  full  age  &  noe 
longer  in  reason  to  be  protected,  therebie  to  keepe  poore  men 
from  theyre  right,  with  delayes  &  deversitie  of  suites  :  if  they  re 
neede  counsell  to  motion,  uppon  notice  from  you  by  this  bearer, 
I  will  send  you  fees  for  the  same  if  I  come  not  my  self.  Soe 
not  doubting  of  your  care,  I  end  with  my  best  wishes  &  rest 

"  Your  assured  Lovinge  IFrynd  :  "  John  Bowen. 

"Haverford  West  the  24  of  October  1627. 

"  You  shall  receave  by  this  bearer  the  some  of  seaven  shil- 
lings to  be  disposed  as  you  see  cause,  &  whatsoever  more  you 
shall  disburs  in  the  eflfectinge  of  the  busynes,  I  will  not  miss 
by  Gods  help  to  bringe  it  or  send  unto  you.  I  have  sent  the 
coppie  of  our  answeres  wherebie  you  may  the  better  motion." 

The  Court  of  Wards  and  Liveries  was  first  established 
by  Henry  VIII.  to  remedy  some  of  the  abuses  and  ex- 
tortions which  had  been  practised  by  the  notorious 
Empson  and  Dudley,  in  the  reign  and  under  the  autho- 
rity of  Henry  VII.  It  had  a  large  jurisdiction  over 
wards  and  their  estates,  over  widows,  and  over  lunatics. 
Lord  Coke  gives  a  full  account  of  it  in  his  4th  Institute. 
"  The  judges  of  this  cornet,"  he  says,  "  are  the  master, 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  217 

the  surveyor,  the  attorney,  receiver-general,  and  the 
auditors."  ^  Winthrop  was  evidently  not  "  the  attorney  " 
thus  included  by  Coke  among  the  judges,  but  one  of  the 
practising  attorneys  of  the  court,  whose  number  seems 
to  have  been  limited,  and  who  appear  to  have  been  the 
subject  of  special  appointment  by  the  Master,  —  some- 
times, as  it  would  seem,  upon  the  suggestion  of  the 
king  or  his  favorite  mmister. 

Winthi'op  had  long  before  been  engaged  m  the  prac- 
tice of  the  law,  in  London  and  on  the  circuit,  as  his 
letters  sufficiently  show.  As  early  as  1622,  we  find 
him  telling  his  wife  that  he  had  "  hasted  mto  the  city 
about  his  business  ; "  and,  from  that  time  forward,  there 
are  but  few  of  his  letters,  whether  to  his  wife  or  to  his 
son,  which  do  not  allude,  more  or  less  distinctly,  to  his 
professional  avocations.  A  few  fragmentary  legal  memo- 
randa and  fee-bills  are  found  among  his  papers,  bearing 
date  1622 ;  several  papers  connected  with  his  practice 
in  the  Court  of  Wards  and  Liveries,  dated  1624  ;  and  a 
long  docket  of  cases,  rmming  through  1626,  '7,  and  '8. 
Some  of  the  papers  bear  the  original  attest  of  Sir  Robert 
Naunton,  Master  of  the  Wards,  and  one  of  his  majesty's 
Secretaries  of  State  and  Pri^^  Councillors ;  ^  and  others 
that  of  Sir  Walter  Pye,  one  of  his  majest}^'s  attorneys 
for  the  same  court.  The  following  letter  from  Sh 
Robert  Xaunton  (the  original  of  which  is  found  among 
Winthi'op's   papers)   would    seem    to    show    that    the 


1  4th  Inst.  202. 

2  Sir  Robert  Xaunton  was  a  native  of  Suffolk  County.  He  was  made  Secretary  of 
State  £th  January,  1617-18;  King  James  (it  is  said)  ha-\nng  been  previously  so  well 
pleased  with  his  eloquence  and  learning  as  to  appoint  him  Master  of  the  Court  of 
Wards. 

28 


218  LIFE   AOT)   LETTERS 

Countess  of  Nottingham  was  among  his  clients.  She 
may  have  sent  the  letter  to  him  as  an  authority  for  his 
appearance  as  her  counsel  in  the  suit. 

Sir  Robert  Naunton  to  the  Countess  of  Nottingham. 

"  To  the  right  ho''^^  Margarett  Countesse  of  Nottingham. 

"After  my  very  harty  coinendacons  to  yo'  good  La'PP,  where- 
as there  is  a  Bill  of  Complaint  exhibited  before  mee  into  his 
Ma*^  Courte  of  Wards  and  Liveries,  against  yo""  La'^^  on  the 
behalfe  of  the  right  ho''^®  Charles  Earle  of  Nott%  unto  which 
Bill  by  course  of  his  Ma*^  Lawes  awnsweere  Is  to  be  made,  to 
the  intent  the  matter  may  receyve  noe  prejudice  by  anle  delay, 
I  have  therefore  thought  good  to  desire  yo""  La'^^  to  send  yo'^ 
Solllcltor  or  Servant  or  some  of  yo''  La'^^^  Councell  unto  the 
said  Court  the  Seaven  and  Twentith  of  this  Instant  November 
to  peruse  or  take  a  cople  of  the  said  Bill,  and  that  yo^  La'^^ 
would  thereupon  make  some  awnsweare  thereunto,  To  the  end 
the  Cause  may  receive  Tryall  as  to  Justice  appertelneth,  And 
soe  I  doe  bidd  yo""  La'^^  most  hartily  farewell.  From  my  howse 
nere  Charing  Crosse  this  ffoure  and  Twentith  day  of  November 
1627.         "  Yo^  La'P^  very  loving  frelnd 

"RoB^  Naunton." 

He  would  seem  to  have  had  the  Lady  Sackville  also 
among  his  titled  clients ;  while  his  friend  Brampton  Gur- 
don  employed  him  in  a  case  in  which  appears  the  name 
of  "  John  Brent,"  recently  rendered  so  familiar  by  the 
brilliant  story  of  one  of  Winthrop's  descendants.^ 

The  petition  ui  this  case  may  serve  to  illustrate  still 
further  the  character  of  the  Court,  and  the  mode  in 
which  its  proceedings  were  initiated. 

1  "John  Brent,"  by  the  late  Major  Theodore  Wmthrop. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  219 


«  To  the  right  ho'""  S'  Robert  Nauntou  k',  M"^  of  his  ma''  Court  of 
Wards  and  Liveries. 

"  The  humble  petition  of  Brampton  Gourdon ;  Humblie 
sheweth  unto  yo"^  honor  That  Avhereas  one  John  Brent  of  Cos- 
sjngton  in  the  Countie  of  Som''set  Esq.  did  about  foui'teene 
yeares  since  die  seised  of  diverse  lands  w^^in  the  said  Countie 
&  elsewhere  leavinge  his  sonne  &  heire  w"^in  the  age  of  twentie 
one  yeares,  and  whereas  after  the  death  of  the  said  John  Brent 
an  Inquisition  was  taken  w"'in  the  said  Countie  whereby  it  was 
found  that  some  of  the  said  lands  weare  holden  of  the  Kings 
]Ma"®  in  cheife  by  knights  service  &  his  Ma"*^  thereupon  intituled 
to  the  custodie  and  wardsliip  of  the  body  &  lands  of  the  said 
heire,  and  for  that  Elizab  Brent  mother  of  the  said  ward  then 
was  &  yet  is  a  popish  recusant  convict :  and  therefore  disabled 
to  have  the  custodie  &  education  of  her  said  sonne  whereupon 
the  custodie  and  tuition  of  the  said  Ward  &  his  estate  was 
coinitted  to  one  Richard  Worth  gent,  brother  of  the  said  Eliza- 
beth for  his  better  education,  but  soe  it  is  may  it  please  yo' 
honor  that  the  said  Richard  Worth  hath  ever  since  the  custodie 
soe  to  him  coinitted  suffered  the  said  Elizabeth  to  have  the  sole 
educacon  of  the  said  Ward,  and  thereby  the  said  Ward  through 
the  continuall  practise  &  Industrie  of  his  said  mother  wholie 
inclined  unto  the  popish  religion  &  hath  for  all  the  said  tyme 
refused  to  repaire  to  his  or  anie  other  parish  church  and  to  con- 
forme  himselfe  to  the  religion  of  the  church  of  England  to  the 
eivell  example  of  others  &  manifest  hurt  of  the  said  Ward  : 

"  May  ft  therefore  please  yo""  hono"^  to  grant  unto  yo'"  supliant 
the  custodie  &  Wardship  of  the  said  Sonne  &  heire  of  John 
Brent,  and  he  shall  see  that  the  said  ward  be  brought  up  accord- 
ing to  the  religion  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  yo""  petitioner 
shall  praye." 

Here  is  a  letter,  also,  from  Brampton  Gurdon  himself, 
at  that  time  High  Sheriff  of  Suffolk  County,  dated  on  the 


220  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

20tli  of  October,  —  unfortunately,  without  any  designa- 
tion of  the  year,  but  evidently  belongmg  to  this  period, 
—  the  address  of  which  shows  that  Winthrop  then  occu- 
pied a  chamber  hi  the  Temple,  and  was  engaged  in 
similar  practice. 

Brampton  Gurdofi  to  John  Winthrop. 

"  To  my  worthy  good  friend  Mr.  Winthrop  at  his  Chamber  in  the  Tem- 
ple lane  near  the  Cloyster,  give  these  — 

"  Good  Sir,  — Let  me  entreat  your  favor  to  this  bearer,  Mr. 
Warford,  vs^lio  is  a  Master  of  Arts  of  six  years  standing.  He 
hath  spent  three  years  here  in  my  brother  Sedlyes  house  as  a 
schoolmaster  wherein  he  hath  approved  himself.  I  have  some 
few  times  heard  him  preach  in  publick,  and  often  I  have  heard 
him  pray  in  the  family  for  which  he  deserveth  well  to  be  ap- 
proved. My  request  is  that  yoti  wUl  help  him  in  his  suit  to 
tlie  Master  of  the  Wards.  He  hath  a  presentation  from  Mrs. 
Gurny  who  is  guardian  to  her  son  who  wanteth  a  few  months 
of  being  of  full  age.  I  know  tjie  Masters  have  right  to  pre- 
sent. Young  Mr.  Gurney  cometh  Avith  liim  to  manifest  his 
good  will  for  the  furthering  of  him  to  this  living.  I  am  loth 
to  make  this  my  suit  to  the  Master  because  I  purpose,  if  God 
will,  to  wait  upon  his  honor  before  such  time  as  the  King  prick 
shrieves,^  and  to  renew  my  suit  again  to  him.  I  pray  be  helpfid 
to  Mr.  Warford  that  he  may  be  kindly  delt  with  by  the  officers 
under  whom  he  must  pass,  and  so  in  haste  with  my  commenda- 
tions to  you  and  to  Mr.  Downing  I  pray  God  to  keep  us. 

"  Your  very  loving  friend  "  Brampton  Gurdon. 

"MoRLY  this  20  of  8ber." 

Winthrop's  professional  services  appear  also  to  have 
brought  him  more  or  less  into  connection  with  the  Par- 

1  The  custom  of  the  sovereign  pricking  the  names  of  sheriffs  is  well  known  to  this 


OF   JOHN   WINTKROP.  221 

liamentary  proceedings  of  the  time.  We  find  among 
his  papers  no  less  than  three  original  draughts  of  biUs, 
which  either  were,  or  were  intended  to  be,  introduced 
into  Parliament.  They  are  wholly  in  his  own  hand- 
writing, on  large  paper,  mth  ample  margins,  and  pre- 
pared as  if  for  the  consideration  of  a  Legislative  Com- 
mittee. One  of  them  is  entitled  "  An  Act  to  settle  a 
course  in  the  assessing  and  levying  of  common  charges 
in  towns  and  parishes ; "  another  is  "  An  Act  for  the 
preventmg  of  the  multitude  of  causeless  suits,  and  of 
the  great  vexation  of  the  mferior  sort  of  people  thereby ;  " 
and  the  thhd  is  "  An  Act  for  the  preventing  of  drunken- 
ness and  of  the  great  waste  of  corn." 

This  last  bill  may  be  worth  mserting  here,  as  an  illus- 
tration of  the  views  entertained  in  those  days  on  a  subject 
so  much  vexed  and  agitated  m  our  own.  It  will  hardly 
add  much  to  oiu*  means  of  solvmg  that  most  difficult  of 
all  social  problems,  —  the  preventing  of  intemperance ; 
but  it  may  suggest  that  the  difficulty  was  as  great  two 
centuries  and  a  half  ago  as  it  is  now,  and  that,  too,  when 
there  was  nothing  stronger  ui  common  use  than  beer  and 
ale.     The  bill  reads  as  follows :  — 

"  An  Act  for  the  preventing  of  Drunkenness  and  of  the  great  waste 

of  Corn. 

"Forasmuch  as  it  is  evident  that  the  excessive  strength  of 
Beer  and  Ale  in  Inns  and  Alehouses  is  fi  principal  occasion 
of  the  waste  of  the  grain  of  this  Kingdom,  and  the  only  fuel  of 
drunkenness  and  disorder  which  by  no  laws  could  hitherto  be 
repressed,  because  they  were  not  limited  to  a  reasonable " and 
wholesome  proportion  ia  the  strength  of  Beer  and  Ale  : 

"  Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  King's  most  excellent  majes- 


222 


LEFE    ANT)   LETTERS 


ty,  the  Lords  Spiritual  and  temporal,  and  the  commons  in  this 
present  Parliament  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  no  Innkeeper,  Taverner,  Alehousekeeper,  or  keeper  of 
other  Victualling  or  Tipling  house,  after  forty  days  next  ensu- 
ing the  end  of  this  present  session  of  Parliament,  shall  have  in 
his,  her,  or  their  houses  any  more  than  one  sort  of  Beer  or  Ale 
only,  and  the  same  to  be  of  no  higher  or  greater  strength  than 
after  the  rate  of  two  bushells  of  malt  to  one  hogshead ;  and  if 
any  Innkeeper,  Taverner,  Ale-housekeeper,  or  keeper  of  any 
victualling  or  tiplinghouse  shall  brew  other,  or  have  in  his 
or  her  house  any  more  than  one  sort  of  beer  or  ale,  or  shall 
brew,  utter,  or  have  in  his  or  her  house  any  Beer  or  Ale 
whereunto  shall  be  put  more  than  two  bushells  of  malt  to  one 
hogshead,  then  every  such  party  so  offending  against  the  true 
intent  and  meaning  of  this  Statute  shall  forfeit  for  every  offence 
ten  pounds,  the  one  half  to  the  Informer,  and  the  other  to  the 
Benefit  of  the  house  of  Correction  of  the  same  limits,  to  be 
levied  by  distress  by  warrant  from  the  Court  or  justices  before 
whom  the  same  shall  be  tried.  And  if  any  such  offender  shall 
not  have  whereby  he  or  she  may  be  so  distrained  or  shall  not 
tender  sufficient  security  for  the  payment  thereof  in  such  manner 
and  form  as  the  said  Court  or  justices  shall  appoint,  then  they 
shall  inflict  such  bodily  punishment  upon  the  offender  by  pillory 
or  whipping  as  they  shall  see  the  cause  to  deserve.  And  the 
intent  of  this  Act  is  that  no  person  who  shall  sell  or  utter  any 
beer  or  Ale,  without  lawful  license  or  authority,  shall  take  ad- 
vantage of  his  own  wrong,  but  shall  be  subject  to  the  penalties 
of  this  law,  if  he  shall  offend  against  the  same." 

A  reference  to  the  Journals  of  Parliament,  and  to  the 
English  statutes  at  large,  proves  that  the  subject-matter 
of  these  bills  underwent  much  consideration  and  much 
legislation  in  the  years  1626  and  1628.  The  bills,  as 
draughted  by  Winthrop,  however,  never  became  laws ; 
and  the  papers  in  his  handwriting  are  thus  proved  to  be  the 


OF   JOHN   WINTIIROP.  223 

origiiiLils  of  what  was  proposed,  and  not  the  mere  copies 
of  what  had  been  passed.  Perhaps  they  may  have  been 
prepared  for  his  ultimate  friends  Su'  Nathaniel  Barnard- 
iston  and  Sir  William  Spring,  who  w^ere  knights  for  the 
county  of  Suffolk  in  16*28,  and  whose  names  are  repeat- 
edly foimd  in  his  correspondence ;  or  perhaps  they  only 
indicate  that  one  part  of  his  professional  practice  was 
that  which  is  believed  to  have  become  of  late  years  the 
most  lucrative  occupation  of  an  English  lawyer,  —  the 
attendance  on  committees  of  the  House  of  Commons. 

Before  leaving  the  subject  of  Wmthi'op's  professional 
practice  m  England,  we  may  allude  to  Cotton  Mather's 
story,  that  he  was  made  a  justice  of  the  peace  at  eighteen 
years  of  age.  The  story  does  not  seem  probable ;  but 
there  is  ample  evidence  that  he  held  the  commission  for 
many  years  before  coming  to  America.  He  describes 
himself  expressly  as  a  justice,  m  a  paper  still  extant, 
as  early  as  1619.  In  another  paper,  written  in  New 
England,  he  alludes  to  having  had  "  twenty  years' 
experience  in  the  Commission  of  the  Peace  ;  "  referring, 
as  it  would  seem,  in  round  numbers,  to  his  experience 
in  Old  England.  The  religious  confessions,  too,  which 
have  been  heretofore  given,  refer  more  than  once  to  the 
exercise  of  his  duties  as  a  magistrate.  Meantime,  the 
following  letter  from  his  mother  to  her  son-in-law, 
Emanuel  Downing,  proves  that  he  did  not  hold  the  office 
continuously,  and  that  "  many  good  men  were  deskous  to 
have  him  in  agame,"  when  he  had  withdrawn  from  the 
commission  for  a  time.  Unfortunately,  there  is  no  date 
to  the  letter;  but  it  was  certamly  after  1622.  It  will 
have  an  interest,  perhaps,  as  one  of  the  few  remauiing 


224  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

letters  of  Wiiithrop's  mother.     At  all  events,  it  will  serve 
as  a  welconie  conclusion  to  this  long  chapter. 

Anne  Winthrop  to  Emanuel  Downing. 

"  To  her  lovinge  Sonne  Mr.  Emanuell  Downing,  these. 

■ "  Good  Sonne,  —  I  am  forst  now  to  doe  that  I  have  hether- 
to  bin  ashamed  to  doe,  that  is  to  trouble  you  with  my  dull 
head  and  scriblinge  hand.  The  matter  is  I  am  suspected  & 
accused  to  be  a  means  to  make  you  unwilling  &  to  denye  your 
helpe  for  my  Sonns  comming  into  the  commission  againe  ;  indeed 
for  his  owne  part  I  was  very  willing  to  have  him  out,  but  hear- 
ing the  great  want  that  is  of  him  in  the  country,  and  so  many 
good  men  so  desirous  to  have  him  in  againe,  I  cannot  but  inde- 
vour  my  self  to  further  ther  desires  what  lies  in  me ;  therefor 
I  pray  you,  good  sonne,  that  at  my  request  you  would  doe  so 
much  as  to  speake  a  good  word  in  the  cause.  I  will  not  use 
many  words  to  perswaid  you  as  though  I  did  mistrust  your 
kindness,  when  as  I  assure  myselfe  to  have  so  much  interest  in 
your  love  that  you  will  at  my  request  speake  a  word,  especially 
when  it  shall  be  to  the  good  of  many  &  no  hurt  to  your  selfe. 
Only  your  word  shall  satisfie  me.  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that 
you  cam  well  ito  your  iournies  end ;  your  children  they  are  all 
well.  I  pray  God  grant  you  all  still  the  blessinge  of  healthe 
&  all  other  good  blessings.  Thus  with  the  remembrance  of  my 
love  to  your  selfe  &  your  second  selfe,  I  cease  to  trouble  you 
any  further.      Vale  in  Christo. 

" Your  lovinsf  mother,  "Anne  Winthrop." 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  225 


CHAPTER   XII. 

CORRESPONDENCE  BETWEEN  WINTHROP   AND  HIS   WIFE.     LETTERS 
FROM  FORTH  BY   HOBSGN   THE  CARRIER,   1626-7. 

We  give  up  the  greater  part  of  this  chapter  to  letters, 
some  of  which  are  of  doubtful  date,  but  aU  of  which 
seem  to  belong  to  the  period  between  September,  1626, 
and  June,  1627.  The  fii*st  was  addressed  by  Winthrop 
to  his  wife,  when  she  had  gone  again  to  visit  her  old 
home  in  Essex  County.  The  others  passed  between  them 
while  he  was  engaged  in  professional  business  in  London, 
or  on  the  chcuit,  leaving  her  to  take  care  of  the  house- 
hold at  Groton  Manor.  They  are  all  new  letters,  never 
before  published,  and  which  have  probably  remained 
undisturbed  in  the  old  family  file  since  the  death  of 
theu'  writers.  They  deal  but  little  with  either  pubhc 
or  private  affahs ;  but  all  the  more  do  they  illustrate 
that  spuit  of  Christian  love  which  is  so  beautiful  an 
element  in  the  characters  of  them  both.  The  faithful 
and  affectionate  Margaret  will  not  often  appear  to 
greater  advantage  than  in  one  or  two  of  these  letters. 
It  will  be  observed  that  we  have  interrupted  the  conjugal 
correspondence  at  one  point,  to  introduce  two  letters 
written  by  Forth  Winthrop  to  his  father  from  the  Uni- 
versity of  Cambridge.  But  we  reserve  the  apology  for 
that  interruption  until  it  occurs. 

29 


226  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"To  my  verye  lovinge  wife  M"  Winthrop  at  Chemsye  house  in  G* 

Maplested, 

"My  sweet  wite, — The  grace  &  blessing  of  the  Lorde 
be  w*^  thee  ever,  &  w*^  us  bothe,  for  the  continuance  &  increase 
of  o''  mutuall  love  in  all  truethe  &  holinesse  ;  whereunto  let  us 
strive  by  prayer  &  stirringe  up  each  other,  that  we  may  have 
full  assurance  of  o'  beinge  in  Christ,  by  o""  livelynesse  in  Chris- 
tianitye ;  that  we  may  live  that  life  of  faithe,  w°'^  onely  affords 
true  peace,  comfort,  &  contentatio  :  &  if  by  this  meanes  the 
world  shall  disclaime  us  as  none  of  hirs,  &  shall  refuse  to  hould 
out  to  us  suche  full  breasts  as  she  dothe  to  others,  this  shall  not 
need  to  trouble  us,  but  rather  may  give  us  matter  of  ioye  in 
that  beinge  strangers  heere,  we  may  looke  for  o'  inheritance  In 
a  better  life.  I  feared  thou  shouldst  take  could  &  therefore  I 
have  sent  thee  another  garment.  I  knowe  not  certainely  when 
I  shall  come  for  thee,  but  as  soone  as  conveniently  I  can  :  in 
the  meane  tyme,  be  sure,  my  heart  is  w*^  thee,  &  so  I  coinende 
thee  againe  to  the  protection,  blessinge  &  direction  of  o''  heaven- 
ly father,  farewell  —        "  Thine  &c  :        "  John  Wintheop. 

"  from  SuDBURYE  Sept :  26. 

"  Remember  my  dutye  &  love  to  all  as  thou  knowest  I  owe 
them." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 
"  To  my  very  lovinge  Husband  John  Winthrope  Esquire,  these  &c. 
"Most  deare  husband, — I  did  thinke  to  have  ritten  no 
more  to  you,  hopeinge  to  see  you  shortly ;  and  yet  I  am  so 
much  Indebtted  to  you  for  your  lovinge  and  longe  letters,  that 
I  must  nedes  rite  a  word  or  two  to  show  my  thankfulnesse  and 
kind  exceptance  of  them,  allthoughe  I  can  doe  nothinge  to 
equall  them  or  to  requit  your  love  ;  and  so  I  thinke  I  had  better 
doe  a  littell  then  not  at  all,  that  I  may  shew  my  wilhngnesse 
to  doe  it  thoughe  I  am  ashamed  I  can  doe  no  better.  And 
now  I  shall  longe  for  that  happy  hour  when  I  shall  see  you 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  227 

and  injoy  my  SAveet  and  deare  husband ;  the  Lord  send  us  a 
comfortable  nieetinge.  I  am  sory  the  wether  is  so  bad.  I  pray 
be  as  carefull  as  you  can  of  takeinge  colde.  — I  send  up  by  John 
a  pece  of  plate,  and  a  turkey  for  my  brother  Fones.  I  pray 
remember  my  love  to  my  brothers  and  sisters  and  my  sonne 
John,  and  thus  with  my  dearest  and  best  affections  to  my 
beloved  husband,  desireinge  the  Lord  to  send  you  a  safe  and 
prosperous  journey,  I  commit  you  to  the  protection  of  almytv 
God  who  is  onely  able  to  keepe  you. 

"Your  lovinge  and  obedient  wife 
"February  13.  "  IVLuiGARET  WiNTHROPE. 

"  I  pray  if  you  doe  not  think  this  peece  of  plate  which  I  have 
sent  up  good  enufe,  that  you  would  make  choyce  of  a  better 
your  selfe  when  you  come  home  ;  you  shall  have  it  with  a  very 
good  will." 

Margaret  Winilirop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  most  deare  Husband,  —  I  have  no  way  to  manifeast 
my  love  to  you  but  by  these  my  unworthy  lines,  which  I  woulde 
intreate  you  to  except  from  hir  that  lovetli  you  with  an  unfayned 
hart.  I  shall  now  know  what  it  is  to  want  a  loveing  husban 
that  I  may  more  prise  and  esteme  of  him  when  I  have  him ; 
my  mother  is  cominge  to  you  aboute  a  weake  or  fortnight 
hence  and  so  I  shall  be  depryved  of  you  booth.  I  pray  God 
I  may  by  fayth  la  holde  on  Christ  Jesus  and  his  benefites,  that 
he  may  be  instead  of  husband  and  mother  and  all  other  frends 
by  the  comfort  of  his  holy  Spirit.  I  prayse  God  we  are  all 
heare  in  helth.  ISI""  Ley  is  gone  home  and  returneth  no  more 
till  thursday  com  senight.  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  my 
brothers  and  sisters  and  cosins ;  my  blessings  to  my  sonne 
John  and  my  daughter  Mary,  thus  with  my  best  love  to  your 
selfe,  desiringe  to  be  remembred  in  your  prayers,  I  commit 
you  to  the  Lord  and  rest  Your  Obedient  Wife 

"  10  Apurhl.  "  M.  W. 

"My  mother  remembreth  hir  love  to  you  all.  You  shall 
receve  by  the  caryer  your  bedding  and  a  cupple  of  capons." 


228  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  my  very  lovinge  Wife  M"  Winthrop  iun.  at  Groton  in  Suffolk. 

"Most  sweet  Wite, — Thy  kinde  Lettre  was  sent  to  me 
tliis  eveninge  from  London  :  how  welcome  it  was  to  me  I  can- 
not expresse.  I  am  sorye  I  am  so  streightened  in  tyme  as  I 
caiiot  write  to  thee  as  I  would  : '  God  be  blessed  for  his  mercye 
towards  thee  &  thine  &  all  o""  famylye,  &  o'  selves  also  in  o"" 
iorneye  &  businesse,  w'''^  hath  hitherto  had  successe  beyonde  o'" 
expectation  :  We  must  attende  at  the  Court  again  to  morrow, 
when  I  hope  we  shall  knowe  how  things  will  goe.  The  Lo  : 
in  mercye  be  still  w**^  thee  &  all  thine  &  sende  us  a  comfortable 
meetinge.  Remember  my  duty  to  my  mother,  my  brother  sa- 
lutes thee  etc :   farewell  mine  owne  sweet  heart. 

"Thy  faithfuU  husband  "John  "Winthrop. 

"From  Kingston  neere  Hampton  Coukt  tMs  tuesdaye  eveninge." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Hushand. 

"Most  deare  and  lovinge  Husband, — I  receved  your 
most  kinde  and  comforttable  letters  and  the  things  you  sent,  for 
w*^^  I  hartyly  thanke  you.  I  prayse  God  for  the  continuanc  of 
y®"^  helth  and  all  the  rest  of  our  frends.  I  am  glad  to  heare  that 
my  Sonne  Henrys  voyage  is  like  to  be  for  his  good.  I  pray 
God  goe  out  with  him  and  send  him  a  safe  returne  that  wee 
may  have  cause  to  blesse  God  for  him.  My  good  husban  I 
thanke  you  for  putinge  me  in  minde  to  be  chereful,  and  to  put 
my  trust  in  my  good  God  who  hath  never  fayled  me  in  time 
of  nede.  I  beseech  him  to  continue  his  mercy  stil  to  me  and 
grant  that  my  sinnes  may  not  provoke  his  anger  against  me  : 
for  he  is  a  just  God  and  will  punnish  offenders.  The  lord  give 
me  grace  to  make  my  peace  with  him  in  Jesus  Christ  our  lord 
and  onely  Saviour,  who  siteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  a  medi- 
ator for  us.  I  did  send  Mr.  Weny  the  little  boxe  uppon  Wens- 
day  night,  but  he  sayd  it  came  to  late ;  he  should  have  had  it 
in  the  morning.  I  have  not  yet  receved  any  monye  to  paye 
Gage  but  as  soune  as  I  have  I  will  paye  him ;  Chot  was  with 


OF   JOIESr   WINTHROP.  229 

me  for  monye  and  had  a  little ;  I  knew  not  his  want  and 
thought  I  had  better  let  him  have  sume  then  drive  him  to  steal 
and  offend  God.  l\Iy  mother  will  come  up  the  next  weake  if 
the  wether  be  any  thinnge  warme  (or  elce  not)  and  bringe  little 
Luse  and  James  ;  ^  she  sayth  that  she  shall  use  y°''  horses,  and 
60  my  brother  Jennye  ^  can  not  have  any ;  she  sayth  that  John 
shall  nede  goe  no  further  then  Witham,  for  ther  she  will  meete 
Ipswich  Coach.  I  pray  tell  my  good  sonne  John  that  I  thanke 
him  for  my  Booke  and  for  my  boyes  tokens,  and  thus  with  my 
mothers  and  my  owne  true  love  remembred  to  you  all  in  the 
best  maner  we  can  expresse,  and  so  intreating  you  to  be  mind- 
full  of  me  and  myne  in  y"'"  prayers  I  commit  you  to  the  lord 
our  good  God  and  rest 

"Your  obedient  wife  all  ways  "Margaret  Winthrope. 
"Apukil  17. 

"  Heare  was  with  me  Thomas  Axden  ^  and  brought  a  letter 
from  Forth  w*^^  I  send  you  ;  he  did  aske  me  if  you  sayd  nothinge 
to  me  about  his  tutors  quarterage  and  I  told  him  I  would  right 
to  you  about  it ;  he  came  over  to  see  Thomas  Calewe  and  is 
retm*ned  back  againe.  We  are  all  heare  in  helth  I  prayse  God, 
my  brother  Goslinge  and  sister  remember  thear  love  to  you  all, 
he  Xiometh  up  with  my  mother." 

Forth  Winthi-op  seems  to  have  written  to  his  father 
more  particularly,  soon  afterwards,  on  the  subject  men- 
tioned in  his  mother's  postscript.  The  letter  is  still 
extant,  with  a  date  which  serves  to  fix  that  of  his 
mother's  letter.  But  it  is  especially  interesting  from  its 
allusion  to  Hobson,  the  Cambridge  carrier,  whom  IMilton 
has  immortalized  by  two  epitaphs,  and  whose  name  will 
live  longer  in  the  proverb,  "  Hobson's  choice,"  than  even 


1  These  were  undoobtedly  the  Downing  children,  who  were  then  residing  at  Groton. 

2  George  Jenney  of  London  married  Mary  Clopton,  a  sister  of  Winthrop's  second 
wife.  —  Clopton  Pedigree,  from,  the  British  Museum. 

8  Thomas  Archisden,  who  was  Forth's  chum  at  Cambridge. 

\ 


230  LITE   AND   LETTEES 

in  Milton's  poetry.  Hobson  was  now  eighty-three  years 
of  age,  and  was  within  three  years  of  the  time  when  he 
sickened  and  died,  because  the  prevalence  of  the  plague 
had  compelled  him  to  suspend  his  weekly  journeys  to 
London.  He  had  carried  letters  and  parcels  for  all  the 
wits  of  the  University  for  more  than  sixty  years ;  and 
was  evidently  a  great  favorite  of  Milton,  with  whom 
Forth  Winthrop  was  contemporary  at  Cambridge,  though 
of  a  different  college.  A  letter  which  was  actually 
carried  up  to  London  by  old  Hobson  is  certainly  worth 
preservmg  and  printing,  —  and  here  it  is ;  and  with  it 
another,  from  the  same  pen  and  place,  which  shows  how 
much  safer  it  was  to  send  by  the  good  old  carrier,  of 
established  name  and  fame,  than  by  the  unknown  hand, 
which  probably  undertook  to  push  him  aside  as  super- 
annuated :  ^  — 

Forth  Winthrop  to  his  Father. 

"Most  lovinge  fathee, — I  received  your  letters  by  S"" 
Neuton  &  doe  thanke  you  for  yo'  good  counsell  &  for  yo"" 
kinde  token ;  I  delivered  your  token  to  my  chamber-fellow,^ 
whoe  w*^  thanks  retournes  his  servis  :  I  had  sent  to  you  a  fort- 
night agoe,  but  that  my  Tutor  beinge  at  London  I  hoped  he 
had  spoken  w*^  you  consearninge  o'"  quarttridge.  I  spoke  w*'^ 
him  about  it,  who  saieth  he  sent  you  a  bill  of  both  o''  expenses  ; 
he  tould  me  y*  we  weare  behinde  w*^  him  3'**  13%  &  now  an 
other  month  is  come  in  since,  which  maketh  it  up  4'*'.  If  you 
will  send  us  money  for  him,  you  may  safely  deliver  it  to  Hob- 
son, the  Cambridge  carrier,  by  whom  I  send  up  now,  mark- 
inge  the  letter  for  a  mony  letter  : 


1  Professor  Masson  gives  a  most  interesting  account  of  Hobsou  in  the  fourth  chap- 
ter of  his  Life  of  Milton. 

2  Doubtless  the  origin  of  chum. 


OF   JOHN   ^VINTHROP.  231 

"My  tutor  remembretli  his  love  to  you,  -vvlioe  said  lie  had 
thought  to  have  come  to  Groton  this  Whitsontide,  but  his 
inexpected  journey  to  London  staid  the  other :  My  mother  & 
grandmother  are  in  helth  fro  whome  I  heard  lately.  S""  Har- 
coote  senior  (for  the  iunior  is  in  the  Country)  thanketh  you  for 
yo""  kind  remembrance  of  him,  &  remembretli  his  service  to 
you  :  Thus  W^  my  duty  remembred  to  you,  &  my  love  to  all 
my  friends  in  generall,  allwaies  desiringe  yo'"  blessings  &  praiers 
for  a  blessinge  on  my  studies,  I  humbly  leave  you  &  yo""  affaires 
to  the  blessinge  of  the  Allmighty,  &  rest 

"IV  Obedient  Sonne  "Forth  Winthrop. 

"  ffrom  CAMBiaoGE  May  1.  1627. 

"  I  would  intreate  you  to  send  me  downe  some  stuffe  by  the 
Carrier  for  a  sute,  for  I  have  great  neede  of  one  :  " 

Forth  Winthrop  to  his  Father. 

"Most  loyinge  father, — Havinge  such  an  occasion  as 
the  cominge  downe  of  Tho  :  Archisden  my  chamberfellow  & 
S""  Caly,  I  thought  good,  though  in  some  hast,  to  Avright  to  you 
by  reason  of  the  sooddan  iourney  of  these  2  :  I  hope  you  are 
all  in  health  as  I  am  here  (blessed  be  God  Allmighty)  whom 
I  humbly  beseech  to  assist  me  most  graciously  by  his  holy 
spirrit  to  run  the  waies  of  godlyness  &  to  shun  the  venomous 
&  contagious  vices  of  these  outragious  times,  wherein  I  once 
was  intangled,  but  hope  by  the  good  spiritt  of  God  to  fly  them 
more  &  more  ;  although  by  my  selfe  I  am  utterly  unable,  yet 
I  will  not  cease  to  put  up  my  humble  petitions  &  praiers  to 
him  y*  is  the  keeper  of  Israeli,  &  doe  likewise  desire  yo^  praiers 
for  the  same  :  My  Tutor  sent  downe  a  letter  to  you  a  while 
since  by  one  Devurux  who  received  it  of  Tho  :  Arkisden,  I  not 
knowinge  of  it ;  now  since  this  Devurux  sent  a  note  to  Tho  : 
Archisden  that  he  had  forgot  the  letter,  &  his  owne  letter,  for 
behke  he  sent  one  to  you :  I  would  desire  you  to  send  word 
whether  you  have  received  them  or  noe  :  for  that  Devurux,  as 
I  heare  say,  doeth  use  to  take  in  hand  the  cariage  of  letters  & 
opens  them  &  not  deliver eth  them  :     I  suppose  you  have  heard 


232  LIFE    AND. LETTERS 

of  the  news  of  o""  coUedge  buslnesse  about  the  alterinere  of  a 
statute  of  the  library,  also  y*  the  Duke  is  about  to  make  for 
the  University ;  if  not,  these  2  :  S""  Caly  &  Tho  :  Ark  :  can 
certify  you  of  them  : 

"Thus  w*'^  my  humble  duty  remembred  to  yo''selfe  &  my 
mother,  &  love  to  the  rest  of  my  friends,  allwaies  desireing  yo"" 
praiers  &  blessings,  in  haste  I  rest 

"Yo'  dutifull  &  obedient  Sonne         "F.  Winthrop. 

"I  would  desire  you  to  -eend  me  the  shoes  for  w*^'^  I  wrote 
you :  I  have  need  of  some  clothes,  for  these  are  worne  out : 
wherefore  I  would  entreat  you,  sometime  when  you  shall  see 
fitt,  to  send  me  up  some  stuffe  for  to  make  me  clothes,  or 
otherwise  as  you  shall  see  most  convenient : " 

We  proceed  now  with  the  remaining  letters  between 
Winthrop  and  his  wife  belonging  to  this  period. 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  deare  Husband, — I  received  thy  most  kinde  Letter 
and  thanke  thee  for  it.  I  wish  thy  imployments  coulde  suiFer 
thee  to  come  home,  but  I  must  wayt  the  time  till  I  may  enioy 
thee,  though  it  cannot  be  without  much  want  of  thy  beloved 
presence,  which  I  desyre  alwayes  to  have  with  me.  I  see  it  is 
the  will  of  God  that  it  shoulde  be  so,  w°^  makes  me  beare  it 
the  more  paciently,  and  not  any  want  of  love  in  my  beloved 
Husband.  And  now  my  deare  I  have  nothinge  to  right  of  to 
thee  but  my  love  which  is  all  ready  knowne  to  thee,  and  it 
ware  needeles  for  me  to  make  relation  of  that  which  thou  art 
so  wel  assured.  I  will  leave  off  this  discorce  for  this  time.  I 
shalbe  glad  to  heare  of  my  daughter  Mary,  how  hir  mach 
goeth  forwarde.  Wee  are  all  heare  in  reasonable  good  health 
I  prayse  God,  w'^^  is  the  best  nuse  I  can  right  to  thee  of.  I 
heare  that  M"^  Apulton  is  dead  that  lived  at  S""  E  C  ;  ^  he  dyed 


1  John  Appleton,  about  1610,  married  Francis  Crane,  of  Chilton,  and  resided  at 
Chilton  Hall,  the  seat  of  Sir  Robert  Crane.  —  Apphton  Memorial,  p.  57. 


OF   JOHN   "WTNTHROP.  233 

very  suddaynely  on  Saterday  being  well  over  night :  and  thus 
with  my  best  love  to  thyselfe,  brother  and  sister  Downinge,  my 
Sonne  I  &  daughter  M,  I  desyre  the  Lord  to  continue  all  your 
healthes  and  prosper  all  your  afFayres  and  send  us  a  happy 
metinge.  I  being  sleppy,  as  you  may  see  by  my  righting,  bid 
my  good  Husban  good  night  and  commit  him  to  the  safe  pro- 
tection of  almyty  God  and  rest 

"  thy  faythfull  and  obedient  wife 

"Margaret  Winthrop. 

"I  am  doutfuU  whether  to  send  thy  horsses  this  weeke  or 
stay  till  I  here  from  thee." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  sweet  wipe,  —  I  hope  it  will  please  o'  good  God  now 
soone  to  fuUfiU  o""  desires  in  comfortinge  us  in  the  wished  enioy- 
inge  of  each  others  presence,  w^"^  tyme  the  neerer  it  drawes  the 
more  it  ioyes  me  to  thinke  of  it :  for  such  is  my  love  to  thee 
(my  deare  spouse)  as  were  it  not  that  my  imployment  (where- 
to Gods  providence  hath  disposed  me)  did  enforce  me  to  it,  I 
could  not  Hve  comfortably  from  thee  halfe  thus  longe  :  &  I  shall 
now  hasten  home  so  soone  as  my  businesse  will  give  me  leave, 
thei-fore  lett  John  be  heer  on  Saturday e,  &  I  hope  (God  will- 
inge)  to  be  w*^  thee  on  teusdaye.  I  have  nothinge  to  write  to 
thee  of,  but  that  w*^^  wilbe  the  moste  wellcome  newes  to  thee, 
y*  through  Gods  mercye  I  am  in  health,  &  all  o*'  friends  heer,  & 
I  trust  to  heare  of  the  like  blessinge  upon  thee  &  all  o*"  family e. 
The  Lorde  make  us  more  truely  thankfull :  &  so  w**^  my  love 
&  dutye  to  my  good  mother,  hearty  salutations  to  all  o""  good 
freinds,  M""  Leigh  &  his  wife,  brother  Gostlin  &  sister,  &  all  as 
thou  knowest,  w*^  my  blessings  to  o""  children,  I  coiiiende  thee 
earnestly  to  the  grace  &  blessinge  of  o'  heavenly  father,  so  I 
kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest  alwayes 

"Thy  faithfull  husband  "John  Winthrop. 

"From  my  chamber  at  the  Temple  Gate,  June  12,  1627." 

30 


234  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"  To  my  very  lovinge  Husband  John  Winthrope  Esquire  at  M""  Down- 

inge  house  in  fleets  strete  neere  the  coundite  these  del''. 

"My  most  kinde  &  lovinge  Husband, — I  did  receve 
your  most  sweet  Letter  by  my  brother  Gosllnge,  and  doe 
prayse  God  for  the  continuance  of  your  health,  and  the  rest 
of  our  frends.  I  thanke  the  Lorde  wee  are  also  In  health,  and 
tliinke  longe  for  your  coming  home.  My  good  husband  y°'" 
love  to  me  doeth  dayly  give  me  cause  of  comfort,  and  doeth 
much  increce  my  love  to  you,  for  love  llveth  by  love.  I  ware 
worse  then  a  brute  beast  If  I  should  not  love  and  be  faythfuU 
to  thee,  who  hath  deserved  so  well  at  my  hands.  I  am  ashamed 
and  greved  with  my  selfe  that  I  have  no  thlnge  within  or  with- 
out worthy  of  thee,  and  yet  It  pleaseth  thee  to  except  of  both 
and  to  rest  contented.  I  had  need  to  amend  my  life  and  pray 
to  God  for  more  grace  that  I  may  not  deceve  you  of  those  good 
hopes  which  you  have  of  me,  —  a  slnfull  woman,  full  of  infirmy- 
tles,  continually  fayleinge  of  what  I  desire  and  what  I  ought 
to  performe  to  the  Lorde  and  thy  selfe.  I  hope  in  God  wee 
shall  now  shortly  meet  with  comfort,  for  which  I  shall  pray.  — 
Your  horse  shal  be  at  London  upon  Saterday  and  we  shall  see 
you  I  hope  on  tuesday.  I  will  send  you  up  by  John  that  you 
did  rite  for,  and  If  you  thlnke  good  you  may  change  It  for  a 
nue  one,  but  doe  as  you  thlnke  best ;  if  I  have  any  thlnge  that 
may  plesure  you  at  any  time  you  shall  willingly  have  it,  and  if 
the  carler  doe  call  heere  this  weeke  I  will  send  my  sister  Down- 
inge  some  puddings  to  make  hlr  some  part  of  amense,  because 
lilr  share  was  so  small  in  the  last.  My  mother  and  my  selfe 
and  brother  and  sister  Gosllnge  remember  our  love  to  you  and 
all  the  rest  of  our  frends ;  my  brother  Jenney  remembers  his 
love  to  you  and  woulde  intreate  you  to  deliver  this  letter  heare 
inclosed ;  and  thus  with  my  love  and  best  affections  even  with 
a  love  Incresinge  I  take  my  leave  and  commit  you  to  the  Lord, 
who  is  alsoficlent  and  able  to  preserve  you  from  all  danger  and 
send  you  safe  home.     Your  lovinge  and  obedient  wife 

"Margaret  Winthrope. 

"I  pray  remember  my  bleslnge  and  love  to  my  sonne  John." 


OF  JOHN   WINTHROP.  235 


John  Wintkrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  MOST  DEAEE  &  SWEET  Spouse, — I  received  thy 
kinde  Lettre,  tlie  true  Image  of  thy  most  lovinge  heart,  breath- 
inge  out  the  faithfidl  desires  of  thy  sweet  sowle,  towards  him 
that  prizeth  thee  above  all  thinges  in  the  world  :  &  blessed  be 
o""  good  God  &  heavenly  father,  who  of  his  rich  mercye  is 
pleased  still  to  afforde  us  matter  of  ioy  &  thankfullnesse  in  the 
good  uewes  of  each  others  wellfare,  &  of  those  w*^*^  are  neere 
&  deare  unto  us  :  our  onely  care  must  be  how  to  be  answear- 
able  in  o""  thankfullnesse  &  walkinge  worthy  his  great  mercies. 
We  continue  all  in  health,  I  prayse  God  :  I  had  a  Lettre 
w^in  these  2  dayes  from  my  sonne  John  who  hath  been  out  at 
sea  in  verye  stormy  weather,  but  is  returned  safe  to  Ports- 
mouth :  Heer  is  no  newes ;  the  Duke  is  gone  to  Portsmo*,  & 
2  or  3  Londoners  coiiiitted  about  the  Loane.  Thus  hoping  in 
God  that  we  shall  meet  on  teusdaye  or  Wensdaye  next,  I 
coriiende  thee  &  all  ours  to  the  grace  &  blessings  of  the  Lorde, 
&  w"^  my  duty  to  my  good  mother,  &  all  o''  lovinge  salutations 
to  thy  selfe,  my  blessings  to  o""  children,  &  salutations  to  all  o"^ 
friends,  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  Thine  as  his  owne  "  J  :  W  : 

"LoNDo  June  15  1627." 


In  the  last  of  these  letters,  it  will  be  observed,  Win- 
throp  informs  his  wife  that  "  his  son  John  had  been  out 
at  sea  in  verj'  stormy  weather,  but  had  returned  safe  to 
Portsmouth ; "  whither,  he  adds,  "  the  Duke  is  gone." 
We  shall  find  an  interesting  explanation  of  this  state- 
ment in  the  next  chapter. 


236  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 


CHAPTEH  XIII. 

THE   YOUNGER   JOHN    WINTHROP'S    NAVAL    ADVENTURES.     FAMttT 
CORRESPONDENCE.  — 1627-  8.1 

The  idea  of  an  early  marriage  having  been  abandoned, 
and  the  practice  of  the  law  not  being  altogether  to  his 
taste,  the  younger  Winthrop  now  turns  his  thoughts  to 
foreign  travels  and  adventures.  His  father  would  seem 
to  have  applied  to  one  of  his  relatives,  the  Downings, 
for  advice  and  counsel  on  the  subject;  and  the  two 
following  letters  from  Joshua  Downing  (a  cousin  of 
Emanuel),  who  evidently  was  much  concerned  with 
either  the  mercantile  or  the  military  marine  of  England 
at  that  period,  furnish  ample  uiformation  as  to  what  was 
proposed  and  what  was  decided  upon :  — 

Joshua  Downing  to  John   Winthrop. 

"  To  my  verie  Worthie  ffreind  John  Winthrop  Esquyer  —  give  theise, 

London. 

"Good  S^, — I  received  yo"^  kinde  &  comfortable  letters, 
ffor  w°^  I  render  yo"  liartie  thanckes  ;  hoping  that  the  lord  will 
enable  me  to  a  paclent  waiting  upon  his  will,  &  that  he  will, 
in  his  good  tyme,  make  all  thinges  to  worke  for  the  best  for 
me,  according  to  his  good  pleasure.  I  shalbe  right  glad  to 
enioy  yo""  company,  w*'^  my  Cosins,  at  yo'"  best  leisure. 

1  All  the  letters  in  this  long  chapter,  except  six,  are  here  printed  for  the  first  time. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  237 

"  Concerning  M"".  John  Wenthrops  inclinacion  to  the  Sea,  I 
will  use  my  best  endeavours  for  hym ;  but  I  have  no  parte  in 
any  shipping  that  goes  fFor  Turkie,  &  the  marchants  that  are 
owners,  doe  comonly  place  their  owne  servaunts  for  piursers  ; 
but  if  he  pleaseth  to  goe  alonge  in  those  shipps  as  a  passinger 
to  see  the  Contries ;  the  Chardges  of  his  Dyett  shall  not  be 
great,  &  I  -will  comitt  hym  to  the  care  of  them,  that  wilbe  ten- 
der over  hym,  so  shall  he  have  more  libertie  for  hymselfe,  & 
have  all  occasions  to  make  the  best  observacions  for  his  OAvne 
good.  But  what  if  yo"*  send  him  nowe  out  in  tliis  ffleet  w**'  the 
Didie ;  the  lord  Harvey  is  rear  admyrall,  &  I  thinck  a  well 
disposed  gentleman  ;  The  Captain  under  hym  is  Captain  Best ; 
in  whome  I  have  some  interest.  If  yo"  shall  please  to  thinck 
well  of  it,  advize  me  speedily,  &  I  will  deale  w*^  Captain  Best 
accordingly.  Thus  w*^  myne,  &  my  wife's  hartie  love  to  yo"" 
selfe,  M"'  Wenthrop  &  yo"^  mother,  w*^  Mr.  John,  &  all  yo",  I 
desier  the  benefite  of  yo*"  prayers  to  God  for  us ;  &  so  comend 
us  to  his  fatherly  proteccion,  &  rest  ever 

"  Yo"^  assured  loving  friend  to  Comaund, 

"JOSUA   DOWNYNG. 
"  Chatilvm  Dock.  24*^  Aprill,  1627." 

Joshua  Downing  to  John   Winthrop. 

"SiE, — I  have  not  seen  Captain  Best  since  I  received  yo' 
letters  (althoughe  I  have  expected  hym  heere  dayly  ;)  neither 
doe  I  suppose  to  see  hym  before  his  voyage,  in  regard  that  I 
understand  the  shipps  are  to  depart  speedily  into  Tilburie  hope  ; 
—  Therefore  I  have  written  a  letter  to  hym,  which  I  send  you 
unsealed,  inclosed  in  this  letter.  When  y°"  have  perused  it,  if 
y*"^  shall  please  to  make  use  of  it,  scale  it  upp,  &  send  it  by  y^"^ 
Sonne.  Otherwise  keepe  it  at  yo*"  pleasure.  If  (in  any  thinge) 
I  can  doe  yo"  any  kindness  I  will  thinck  myselfe  happy  in  doinge 
it.  Thus  w*''  my  hartie  love  to  y°"  &  my  Cosen  Downyng  w''* 
all  yo",  I  rest 

"  Yo""  assured  faithfull  frend  "  Josua  Downyng. 

"  Chatham  Dock  4*  May,  1627." 


238  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

In  accordance  with  the  suggestion  contained  in  the 
first  of  these  letters,  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  entered  at 
once  into  the  naval  service  of  the  kingdom*,  and  joined 
the  expedition,  under  the  lead  of  the  Duke  of  Bucking- 
ham, for  the  relief  of  the  French  Protestants  at  Rochelle. 
He  seems  to  have  acted  as  the  secretary  of  Capt.  Best, 
of  the  "  Due  Repulse,"  under  the  command  of  Rear- 
Admiral  Lord  Hervey.  Among  his  papers  is  found  the 
following  original  letter  from  Lord  Hervey  to  his  cap- 
tain:— 

Rear  Admiral  Lord  Hervey  to   Captain  Best. 

"London.  Aprill,  15.  1627. 

"  Captain  Best,  —  this  is  to  advertise  you  that  the  Duke 
hath  bin  at  Chatham  to  see  in  what  forwardness  the  ships  are 
w^'^  are  to  goe  this  Vyage,  &  finds  that  they  wilbe  all  ready  to 
take  in  ther  victuals  this  weeke  cominge,  part  at  Rochester, 
the  rest  from  London,  w*^^  is  presently  to  be  sent  unto  them  ; 
—  and  our  ship  I  hope  wilbe  none  of  the  latermost :  one 
thinge  I  find  to  be  slakly  cared  for,  and  that  is  the  Guiier  w*'^ 
his  stores,  —  and  it  is  caused  by  the  change  of  the  Guiier,  he 
that  is  chosen  beinge  absent  from  the  ship,  thother  that  belonged 
to  the  ship  neglectinge  his  afiairs,  by  reason  he  is  put  by  for 
the  present.  — 

"  I  wish  I  might  speake  w*"^  you  concerning  that  matter,  that 
order  might  be  given  in  dew  time  —  Otherwise  our  ship  wilbe 
unprovided,  when  thothers  wilbe  to  sett  saile  —  The  Master 
Cole  came  to  London  on  Thursday  last  w**^  intent  to  have 
acquainted  you  w*'^  all  thinges  there,  but  findinge  you  were  out 
of  Towne  returned  to  Rochester  again.  When  I  shall  speake 
w*^  you,  I  will  acquaint  you  w*'^  the  particulars.  The  Duke 
makes  all  the  hast  that  may  be.  This  is  all  I  have  for  the 
present,  and  therefore  w*^  my  kindest  wishes  unto  you  I  leave 
remayninge 

"Your  assured  Lovinge  frend,         " W.  Hervey." 


OF   JOHN   WINTHKOP.  239 

Here,  too,  are  some  instructions  for  the  fleet,  prepared 
for  Capt.  Skipworth,  but  probably  communicated  to  all 
the  other  captains.  They  are  found  in  the  younger 
Winthrop's  handwriting,  and  show  that  the  "  Due  Re- 
pulse," with  which  he  was  associated,  was  one  of  the 
principal  vessels  of  the  fleet.  They  also  give  an  exam- 
ple of  discipline  and  idgilance  which  might  well  be 
followed  in  some  of  the  expeditions  of  other  lands  and 
later  days. 

"  Instructions  for  Captaine  Skipworth  by  vertue  of  order 
recep'ed  from  S''  John  AVatts  ayIio  is  authorised  thereunto  from 
the  Eight  Ho'^'*^  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  Lord  High  Admhall 
of  England. 

"  1  That  you  attend  liis  Ma*^  Ship  the  Due  Repulse  to  goe 
to  the  Westward  &  there  to  spend  such  tjone  as  is  &  shalbe 
assigned  to  us  by  future  Coinands  betweene  the  Isle  of  Wight 
&  the  Coast  of  France  &  at  Convenient  tymes  to  put  into 
Stoak  bay  both  to  give  intelligence  of  all  occurrences  &  to 
receive  further  direction. 

"  2  And  for  better  performance  of  o^  Duties  I  do  recomend 
you  these  few  provisions. 

"  3  That  all  the  Day  you  birth  yourselves  as  neere  as  you 
may  South  South  east  &  North  North  West  crosse  the  Chanell 
some  five  or  six  miles  one  from  the  other  &  so  from  the  Repulse 
each  ship  to  take  his  birth  as  it  shall  fall  out  keeping  the  Dis- 
tance, And  if  any  man  shall  discover  a  saile  or  sailes  presently 
to  give  chase  first  setteling  once  liis  maine  top  saile  &  Shoote 
of  one  peece  &  so  the  next  to  ster  and  then  the  rest  if  there 
shalbe  Cause  that  so  all  may  take  knowledge,  &  in  case  of 
diverse  Chases  at  once  then  each  man  to  aply  him  selfe  for  the 
best  as  his  advantage  doth  give  leave,  and  upon  the  end  & 
finishing  of  the  businesse  to  make  p''sent  repaire  unto  the  Re- 
pulse to  give  an  accompte  of  all  past.  That  so  my  Lord  Admiral! 


240  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

from  me  may  be  informed  according  to  my  Instructions.  And 
if  any  man  take  any  ship  and  have  lost  the  Repulse  that  then 
he  direct  himselfe  and  prise  to  Portsmouth  or  for  the  Downes 
to  eyther  as  wind  will  best  permitte,  and  presently  upon  his 
arrivall  to  eyther  to  advise  my  Lord  Admirall. 

"  4  If  it  shall  happen  that  any  man  loose  Companie  of  the 
Repulse  that  then  ilpon  sight  eyther  of  me  or  any  of  o'  fleet 
then  to  hoise  and  strike  twice,  and  all  other  ships  to  her  to  doe 
the  like. 

"  5  The  nights  short  and  you  understanding  ;  small  Instruc- 
tions will  suffice.  At  night  to  gather  your  selfes  about  the 
Eepidse  that  so  you  may  attend  upon  the  light,  and  when  the 
Dawning  apeares  about  two  of  the  Clocke  to  disperse  your- 
selves according  to  these  my  Directions. 

"  And  these  for  tliis  our  short  imployment  I  take  to  be  suffi- 
cient. 

"  If  it  shall  happen  that  in  giving  of  Chase  I  cast  of  o""  long 
boate  or  any  other  of  o^  boats  that  then  if  you  be  neerest  to 
her  you  take  her  up  &  when  you  may  to  bring  her  to  us. 
Vale." 

The  Diike  of  Buckingham  sailed  from  Portsmouth  on 
the  27th  of  June,  1627 ;  probably  after  as  many  delays 
and  postponements  as  proverbially  attend  great  expedi- 
tions by  sea  and  land,  in  all  ages  and  climes.  The  elder 
Winthrop  dated  his  parting  letter  to  his  son  three  weeks 
earher.  It  was  not  of  a  character  to  spoil  by  keeping. 
It  would  serve  as  well  for  one  going  to  fight  the  battles 
of  his  country  to-day,  as  it  did  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  years  ago.  Nothing  could  be  nobler  m  substance, 
or  more  exquisite  in  expression,  than  the  counsel  which 
it  conveys. 

"  Only  be  careful,"  says  the  father,  "  to  seek  the  Lord 
in  the  first  place,  and  with  aH  earnestness,  as  He  who  is 


OF   JOmsr  WTNTHEOP.  241 

only  able  to  keep  you  in  all  perils,  and  to  give  you  favor 
in  the  sight  of  those  who  may  be  instruments  of  your 
welfare ;  and  account  it  a  great  point  of  wisdom  to  keep 
diligent  watch  over  yourself,  that  you  may  neither  be 
infected  by  the  evil  conversation  of  any  that  you  may  be 
forced  to  converse  Tvdth,  neither  that  your  own  speech  or 
behavior  be  any  just  occasion  to  hurt  or  insnare  you. 
Be  not  rash,  upon  ostentation  of  valor,  to  adventure 
yourself  to  unnecessary  dangers ;  but,  if  you  be  lawfully 
called,  let  it  appear  that  you  hold  your  life  for  Him  who 
gave  it  you,  and  will  preserve  it  unto  the  farthest  period 
of  his  o^Ti  holy  decree.  For  you  may  be  resolved,  that, 
while  you  keep  in  your  way,  all  the  cannons  or  enemies 
in  the  world  shall  not  be  able  to  shorten  your  days  one 
minute." 

Winthrop  could  hardly  have  known  much  about 
Shakspeare's  "  Hamlet,"  though  it  was  played  and  pub- 
lished about  twenty  years  before  this  letter  was  written ; 
but  no  one,  who  is  familiar  with  that  great  tragedy,  can 
fail  to  be  reminded,  by  the  passage  just  quoted,  of  the 
parting  precepts  of  Polonius  to  the  young  Laertes :  — 

' '  Give  thy  thoughts  no  tongue, 
Nor  any  unproportioned  thought  his  act. 

Beware 
Of  entrance  to  a  quarrel ;  but,  being  in, 
Bear  it  that  the  opposer  may  beware  of  thee. 
Give  every  man  thine  ear,  but  few  thy  voice ; 
Take  each  man's  censure,  but  reserve  thy  judgment. 


This  above  all,  —  to  thine  own  self  be  true ; 
And  it  must  follow,  as  the  night  the  day. 
Thou  canst  not  then  be  false  to  any  man." 

A  rehgious  reader  might,  perhaps,  give  the  preference 

31 


242  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

to  Winthrop's  prose  over  even  the  matcliless  blank-verse 
of  Shakspeare.     But  we  must  give  the  whole  letter :  — 

John  Winthrop  to  Ms  Son. 

"  To  my  loving  Son,  John  Winthrop,  attending  upon  Capt.  Best,  in  his 
Majesty's  Ship  the  Due  Repulse,  at  Portsmouth. 

"My  Good  Son, — I  received  your  letter  from  Gravesend, 
and  do  bless  God  for  your  safe  arrival  there  ;  but  I  heard  not 
from  you  since,  which  I  impute  to  the  sudden  departure  of  your 
captain  out  of  the  Downs  upon  the  duke's  coming  thither.  But 
I  hope  to  hear  from  you  soon,  for  I  long  to  understand  how  you 
fare,  and  what  entertainment  you  find  with  your  captain,  that 
accordingly  I  may  be  stirred  up  to  prayer  for  you,  and  to  bless 
God  for  his  mercies  towards  you.  I  know  not  what  further 
advice  to  give  you,  than  you  have  already  received,  and  your 
own  observation,  upon  occasion,  shall  direct  you.  Only  be 
careful  to  seek  the  Lord  in  the  first  place,  and  with  all  ear- 
nestness, as  he  who  is  only  able  to  keep  you  in  all  perils, 
and  to  give  you  favor  in  the  sight  of  those,  who  may  be  instru- 
ments of  your  welfare  ;  and  account  it  a  great  point  of  wisdom, 
to  keep  diligent  watch  over  yourself,  that  you  may  neither  be 
infected  by  the  evil  conversation  of  any,  that  you  may  be  forced 
to  converse  with,  neither  that  your  own  speech  or  behavior  be 
any  just  occasion  to  hurt  or  ensnare  you.  Be  not  rash,  upon 
ostentation  of  valor,  to  adventure  yourself  to  unnecessary  dan- 
gers ;  but,  if  you  be  lawfully  called,  let  it  appear,  that  you 
hold  your  life  for  Him,  who  gave  it  you,  and  will  preserve  it 
unto  the  farthest  period  of  his  own  holy  decree.  For  you  may 
be  resolved,  that,  wliile  you  keep  in  yoiu'  way,  all  the  cannons 
or  enemies  in  the  world  shall  not  be  able  to  shorten  your  days 
one  minute.  For  my  part,  as  a  father,  who  desires  your  wel- 
fare as  mine  own,  I  cease  not  daily  to  commend  you  to  God, 
beseeching  him  to  preserve,  prosper,  and  bless  you,  that  I  may 
receive  you  again  in  peace,  and  have  assurance  of  enjoying  you 
in  a  better  life,  when  your  course  here  shall  be  finished.     Your 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  243 

friends  here  (I  praise  God)  are  all  in  health,  and  are  daily 
mindful  of  you.  Let  me  hear  from  you  so  soon  and  oft  as  you 
may  conveniently.  Eemember  my  love  and  service  to  your  good 
captain.     The  Lord  bless  you  ever.      So  I  rest 

"  Your  loving  ftither,  "JoiiN  Winthrop. 

"London,  June  6,  1627." 

How  well  the  younger  Winthrop  conformed  himself  to 
the  comisel  of  his  father,  in  this  expedition,  we  have  no 
means  of  knowuig ;  but  here  is  a  letter  of  his,  from  the 
very  scene  of  conflict,  which  gives  an  mteresting  accoimt 
of  what  was  going  on.  It  has,  unhappily,  no  date  ;  but 
another  of  his  papers,  of  a  merely  formal  character,  shows 
that  he  was  in  the  Road  of  St.  Martm's,  where  the  letter 
was  e^ddently  T\Titten,  about  the  end  of  October,  1627. 

John    Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  Ms  father. 

"  To  the  worp"  John  Winthrop  Esq.  at  his  house  in  Groton. 

"  Sir,  — My  humble  duty  remembred  to  your  selfe  with  my 
mother  &  Grand  mother,  with  the  remembrance  of  my  love  to 
my  brothers,  &  sister,  &  the  rest  of  my  freinds.  I  wrote  unto 
you  the  last  opportunity  which  I  found  by  two  severall  messen- 
gers, whether  they  came  to  your  hands  I  know  not :  but  yet  I 
dought  not  but  you  have  had  so  full  Intelligence  of  our  proceed- 
ings till  y*  tyme  that  it  should  be  needlesse  to  write  any  thing 
thereof:  As  touching  our  affaires  now  you  shall  understand 
now  thereof :  Our  army  lieth  still  the  most  part  at  St.  Martins  ; 
Some  few  garrisons  in  other  parts  of  the  Hand.  The  Cittadel  is 
now  Intrenched  round.  Our  trenches  come  in  some  places 
within  a  stones  quoite  of  the  enemies,  the  centinels  on  both  sides 
continually  playing  with  their  small  shotte,  watching  as  nar- 
rowly as  the  fouler  after  a  bird  how  they  may  come  at  a  shotte, 
the  great  Ordinance  on  both  sides  shoote  not  so  often  as  they 
did  at  first :    every  day  there  come  some  running  out  of  the 


244  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

Castle  who  bring  divers  &  uncertelne  reports  what  they  thinke 
of  the  tyme  it  can  hold  out,  but  it  is  thought  they  had  yielded 
it  up  by  this  tyme  had  it  not  beene  for  3  or  4  boats  which  in  a 
darke  &  foule  night  stole  over  undiscovered  of  the  ships,  but  tis 
thought  they  could  not  furnish  them  with  much  victuals,  &  if 
that  be  spent  there  is  such  order  taken  that  they  shall  very 
hardly  get  any  more,  for  besides  the  ships  which  lie  there  close 
together,  &  our  boats  scouting  out  all  night,   they  have  made 
a  boome  with  masts  chained  together  which  lieth  crosse  that 
place  where  they  should  go  in,  so  that  they  must  needs  be  foule 
eyther  of  the  ships  or  that.     Those  boats  which  gatt  over  were 
garded  by  two  Dutchmen  who  riding  among  our  ships  had  taken 
notice  of  the  order  of  our  fleet  &  the  likeliest  place  they  might 
come  by  them  without  discovery ;  they  are  now  taken  and  to  be 
executed.     We  tooke  the  other  night  two  boats  which  were 
going  to  the  Castle  with  victualls,  some  other  there  were  which 
escaped  backe  againe.     We  have  now  arrived  2400  soldiers  out 
of  Irland  &  doe  expect  a  supplye  of  ships  &  men  out  of  Eng- 
land.    When  they  be  come  I  hope  Ave  shall  not  stay  here  long 
after.     I  thinke  soone  after  Michaelmas  we  shall  be  at  home. 
The  King  of  France  hath  had  an  army  about  Rochell  ever  since 
our  coming,  they  are  reported  to  be  12000  men,  but  the  towne 
and' they  were  upon  good  tearmes  till  the  30*  of  August,  &  then 
they  began  to  fall  out  with  some  store  of  great  shott  on  both 
sides,  but  they  feare  not  the  kings  forces  so  long  as  our  fleet 
keepe  the  sea  open  to  them.     When  I  had  well  veiwed  the 
towne  I  marvelled  not  that  it  holds  out  so  long  seige,  for  I  think 
it  almost  Impossible  to  take  it  by  force  if  they  be  not  shutt  up 
at  sea  as  well  as  by  land.     It  is  a  very  deare  place  for  stran- 
gers, &  St.  Martins  is  dearer  by  reason  of  our  army,  and  that 
all  we  have  brought  in  commeth  from  Rochell.    I  am  (I  thanke 
God)  hitherto  in  good  helth  and  our  ship  hath  bene  generally 
helthfull :  thus  my  duty  againe  remembered,   &  desiring  your 
dayly  prayer  &  blessings  I  coinend  you  to  Gods  protection  and 
rest  "  Your  obedient  sonne 

"John  Wintheop. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  245 

"  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  my  uncle-  Gostlin  &  aunt  with 
M""  Lee  &  the  rest  of  our  freinds."^ 

An  oi-igiiial  account  of  this  Expedition  by  Lord  Her- 
bert of  Cherbury  has  recently  been  pubhshed  in  Eng- 
land, edited  by  Lord  Poms,  and  dedicated  to  the 
Philobiblon  Societ}%  in  which  it  is  said  that  the  Duke 
of  Buckiagham  had  "  a  navy  of  an  hundred  sayle,  where- 
of tenn  were  royal,  the  rest  merchants'  ships."  ^  But 
we  need  hardly  remind  our  readers  that  it  proved  a  dis- 
astrous failure,  and  was  completely  broken  up  before  the 
year  was  at  an  end. 

The  elder  Winthrop  had  doubtless  gone  down  to  Lon- 
don to  attend  upon  the  courts,  and  pursue  his  professional 
practice,  in  November,  1627,  when  the  two  following  let- 
ters from  his  wife  were  written.  She  had  given  bhth  to 
another  son  a  few  months  before  ;  and  we  find  the  child  al- 
luded to  by  name  hi  the  fhst  of  the  letters.  How  prettdy 
and  piously  she  tells  her  husband,  in.  the  second,  "  I  have 
many  rea  ons  to  make  me  love  thee,  whereof  I  will  name 
two :  Fu  i,  because  thou  lovest  God ;  and,  secondly,  be- 
cause that  thou  lovest  me  "  !  We  fuid  no  letters  from  her 
husband  which  seem  to  correspond  to  this  precise  date. 


1  This  little  certificate,  in  the  hand  of  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  is  only  important  as  fix- 
ing the  date  of  the  foregoing  letter :  — 

"  To  the  Right  Worll  Sr  SackfeUd  Crow  Treasurer. 
"  Whereas  Robert  Atkins  was  removed  out  of  the  Seahorse  into  his  Maj"  Shippe 
the  Repulse  at  Portsmouth  June  26. 1627  these  are  therefore  to  Certify  that  the  s*  Robert 
Atkins  continued  in  the  s*  Shippe  of  his  Ma'^  in  the  Roade  of  S' Martins  till  the  26  day 
of  October  the  yeare  aboue  written  and  then  falling  sicke  was  discharged. 

"J.  Best. 
"The  Road  op  St.  Martins  Octob:  27.  1627." 

2  The  Expedition  to  the  Isle  of  Rh^,  by  Edward  Lord  Herbert  of  Cherbury,  K.B. 
London,  Whittingham  and  Wilkins,  1860. 


246  LITE    AND   LETTERS 


Margaret   Winthrop  to  her  husband. 

"Most  dear  and  loving  Husband,  —  I  cannot  express 
my  love  to  you,  as  I  desire,  in  these  poor,  lifeless  lines  ;  but  I 
do  heartily  wish  you  did  see  my  heart,  how  true  and  faithful  it 
is  to  you,  and  how  much  I  do  desire  to  be  always  with  you,  to 
enjoy  the  sweet  comfort  of  your  presence,  and  those  helps  from 
you  in  spiritual  and  temporal  duties,  which  I  am  so  unfit  to  per- 
form without  you.  It  makes  me  to  see  the  want  of  you,  and 
wish  myself  with  you.  But  I  desire  we  may  be  guided  by  God 
in  all  our  ways,  who  is  able  to  direct  us  for  the  best ;  and  so  I 
will  wait  upon  him  with  patience,  who  is  all-sufficient  for  me. 
I  shall  not  need  to  write  much  to  you  at  this  time.  My  brother 
Gostling  can  tell  you  any  thing  by  word  of  mouth,  I  praise 
God,  we  are  all  here  in  health,  as  you  left  us,  and  are  glad  to 
hear  the  same  of  you  and  all  the  rest  of  our  friends  at  London. 
My  mother  and  myself  remember  our  best  love  to  you,  and  all 
the  rest.  Our  children  remember  their  duty  to  you.  And  thus, 
desiring  to  be  remembered  in  your  prayers,  I  bid  my  good  hus- 
band good  night.  Little  Samuel  ^  thinks  it  is  time  for  me  to  go 
to  bed ;  and  so  I  beseech  the  Lord  to  keep  you  in  safety,  and 
us  all  here.     Farewell,  my  sweet  husband. 

"  Your  obedient  wife,  "  Margaret  "V^jcnthrop." 

Margaret    Winthrop  to  her  husband. 

"  My  most  sweet  Husband,  —  How  dearly  welcome  thy 
kind  letter  was  to  me,  I  am  not  able  to  express.  The  sweetness 
of  it  did  much  refresh  me.  What  can  be  more  pleasing  to  a 
wife,  than  to  hear  of  the  welfare  of  her  best  beloved,  and  how 
he  is  pleased  with  her  poor  endeavors  !  I  blush  to  hear  myself 
commended,  knowing  my  own  wants.  But  it  is  your  love  that 
conceives  the  best,  and  makes  all  things  seem  better  than  they 
are.     I  wish  that  I  may  be  always  pleasing  to  thee,   and  that 

1  Samuel  was  baptized  Aug.  26,  1627. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  247 

those  comforts  we  have  in  each  other  maybe  daily  mcreased,  as 
for  as  they  be  pleasing  to  God.  I  will  use  that  speech  to  thee, 
that  Abigail  did  to  David,  I  will  be  a  servant  to  wash  the  feet 
of  my  lord.  I  Avill  .do  any  service  wherein  I  may  please  my 
good  husband.  I  confess  I  cannot  do  enough  for  thee  ;  but 
thou  art  pleased  to  accept  the  will  for  the  deed,  and  rest  con- 
tented. 

"I  have  many  reasons  to  make  me  love  thee,  whereof  I  will 
name  two  :  First,  because  thou  lovest  God ;  and,  secondly, 
because  that  thou  lovest  me.  If  these  two  were  wanting,  all 
the  rest  would  be  eclipsed.  But  I  must  leave  this  discourse, 
and  go  about  my  household  affairs.  I  am  a  bad  housewife  to 
be  so  long  from  them ;  but  I  must  needs  borrow  a  little  time 
to  talk  Avith  thee,  my  sweet  heart.  The  term  is  more  than  half 
done.  I  hope  thy  business  di-aws  to  an  end.  It  will  be  but 
two  or  three  weeks  before  I  see  thee,  though  they  be  long  ones. 
God  will  bring  us  together  in  his  good  time  ;  for  which  time  I 
shall  pray.  I  thank  the  Lord,  we  are  all  in  health.  We  are 
very  glad  to  hear  so  good  news  of  our  son  Henry. ^  The  Lord 
make  us  thankful  for  all  his  mercies  to  us  and  ours.  And  thus, 
with  my  mother's  and  my  own  best  love  to  yourself  and  all  the 
rest,  I  shall  leave  scribbling.  The  weatlier  being  cold,  makes 
me  make  haste.  Farewell,  my  good  husband  :  the  Lord  keep 
thee.  "Your  obedient  wife,  Margaret  Winthrop. 

"  Grotox,  November  22. 

"I  have  not  yet  received  the  box  ;  but  I  will  send  for  it.  I 
send  up  a  turkey  and  some  cheese.  I  pray  send  my  son  Forth 
such  a  knife  as  mine  is.  Mrs.  Hugen  would  pray  you  to  buy  a 
cake  for  the  boys. 

"I  did  dine  at  Groton  Hall  yesterday;  they  are  in  health, 
and  remember  their  love.  We  did  wish  you  there,  but  that 
would  not  bring  you,   and  I  could  not  be  merry  without  thee. 


1  The  first  and  best  news  from  Henry,  who  had  sailed  for  the  West  Indies,  came  in 
a  letter  from  him,  dated  "  from  the  Berbethes  in  the  "West  Indyes,  this  22  of  August, 
1627." 


248  LITE   AND    LETTERS 

Mr.  Lee  and  his  wife  were  there  ;  they  remember  their  love. 
Our  neighbor  Cole  and  goodman  Newton  have  been  sick,  but 
somewhat  amended  again.  I  fear  thy  cheese  will  not  prove  so 
good  as  thou  dids't  expect.  I  have  sent  it  .all,  for  we  could  not 
cut  it." 

The  younger  Winthrop  was  again  in  London  not  long 
after  his  return  from  the  Isle  of  Rhe ;  and  then  we  find 
four  more  of  his  father's  letters  addressed  to  him.  They 
show,  that,  at  this  date,  the  father  was  proposing  to  re- 
move to  London,  for  the  more  convenient  practice  of  his 
profession ;  and  one  of  them  contains  directions  for  the 
commencement  of  a  suit  in  which  he  was  engaged  as 
counsel.  The  minute  directions  contained  in  the  second 
letter  of  the  series,  for  procuring  a  supply  of  tobacco^ 
seem  to  prove  that  some  of  the  Puritan  famihes  did  not 
wait  until  they  came  over  to  the  New  World  before  yield- 
ing to  the  fascinations  of  the  Vhginia  weed.  A  decided 
taste  for  it  must  certamly  have  prevailed  at  Groton  Manor. 
It  will  be  seen,  however  (in  another  chapter),  that  Win- 
throp renounced  the  use  of  it  not  long  afterwards,  at 
least  for  a  time.  The  fourth  letter  indicates  that  the 
younger  Winthrop  was  contemplatiug  a  voyage  with 
"  a  religious  company,"  and  with  some  view  of  settlmg  in  a 
new  plantation.  This  was  undoubtedly  a  voyage  to  New 
England;  and  John  Wiuthrop,  jun.,  was  contemplating 
the  idea  of  embarking  with  Endicott,  who  sailed  for  New 
England  in  the  "  Abigail,"  on  the  twentieth  day  of  June, 
1628.  The  elder  Winthrop  "was  loath,"  it  seems,  that 
his  son  "  should  thiuk  of  settling  there  as  yet ; "  but  he 
suggests  that  it  is  best  "  to  be  going  and  commg  awhile, 
and  afterward  to  do  as  God  shall  offer  occasion."     Evi- 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  249 

dently,  the  idea  that  New  England  was  to  be  the  perma- 
nent abode  of  himself  and  his  family  had  not  dawned 

upon  him. 

John  Winihrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  lovinge  sonne  John  Wintlirop  at  the  three  fawnes  in  the  Okie 
Baylye,  London. 

"  Sonne  John,  —  I  prayse  God  we  came  home  well  on 
thursdaye  at  night  &  tliis  daye  I  was  at  the  Choyce  of  o""  knights 
at  Ipswich ;  what  o""  successe  was  you  may  knowe  by  my  lettre 
to  either  of  yo'  unckles,  as  likewise  for  other  affaires.  I  pur- 
pose now  to  send  you  up  the  rest  of  the  writings,  w'^''  Mr.  ffea- 
therston  may  make  use  of,  as  he  shall  think  fitt :  I  would  be 
lothe  to  come  up  before  the  terme  except  there  •  be  necessitye  : 
yet  I  thincke  to  be  there  about  a  weeke  before,  because  my  horse 
must  be  at  Houndsloe  heathe  the  23  of  Aprill,  &  likewise  to 
take  order  about  my  removall,  w'^'^  I  am  now  (in  a  maiier)  re- 
solved of,  if  God  shall  dispose  for  us  accordingly :  for  my 
charge  heere  grows  verye  heavye,  &  I  am  wearye  of  these  io''- 
nies  to  &  fro,  so  as  I  will  either  remove  or  putt  off  my  office. 
I  would  have  you  enquire  about  for  a  house  at  Tower  hill  or 
some  suche  open  place,  or  if  I  cant  be  provided  so  neere,  I  will 
make  tryall  of  Thistleworthe  :  I  would  be  neere  churche  &  some 
good  schodle.  If  you  can  finde  how  to  sende  to  yo'"  brother 
Hen  :  let  me  knowe  that  I  may  provide  shoes  &c  :  for  him,  & 
for  other  things  I  will  leave  them  to  yo^  care.  We  are  all  in 
good  healthe  (I  prayse  God).  Deane  hathe  had  the  smale 
poxe,  but  laye  not  by  it,  &  Sain  :  was  verye  sick  &  in  great 
danger,  but  God  hathe  delivered  him.  Yo'  grandmother  & 
mother  salute  &  blesse  you  :  the  Lorde  blesse,  guide,  &  prosper 
you  in  all  yo""  wayes,  that  you  may  feare  him  &  cleave  to  him, 
&  so  consecrate  yo""  life  &  youthe  to  his  service,  as  yo'^'  life  may 
be  of  use  for  his  glory e  &  the  good  of  others,     farewell. 

"  Yo'  lovinge  father  "  Jo  :  Wintheop. 

"  Eemember  me  verye  kindly  to  Capt.  Best  &  his  wife,  to 
Capt.  Downinge  &  the  rest  of  that  familye  (when  you  see 

32 


250  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

them.)  Comende  me  to  M'.  fFeatherston  &  desire  Mm  to  j)re- 
pare  his  assurance  by  a  weeke  before  the  terrrie,  if  he  thinke 
good,  &  if  yo'  host  shall  require  it ;  otherwise  at  the  beginninge 
of  the  terme. 

"Looke  out  amonge  the  bookesellers  in  Duck  lane,  &  if  you 
can  finde  an  English  bible  in  4*°  for  7  or  8^ :  buye  it  &  sende  it 
downe  ;  &  remember  the  stockfishe. 

"Feb:  25.  1627." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  loving  Son,  John  Winthrop,  at  the  House  of  Mr.  Downing, 
near  the  Conduit,  in  Fleet  Street,  London. 

"Loving  Son, — I  received  your  letter,  and  I  bless  God 
for  your  welfare,  begging  of  him  daily,  that  your  soul  may  pros- 
per as  your  body  doth ;  and  if  this  care  be  in  your  heart,  (as  I 
hope  it  is,)  you  shall  do  well,  for  this  rule  God  hath  set  us  to 
walk  by,  — first  to  seek  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  then  will  he  see 
to  us  for  other  things.  So  as  I  dare  avouch  it  as  infallible  truth, 
that  he  Avho  doth  otherwise  takes  a  preposterous  course  to  hap- 
piness, and  shall  not  prosper.  Should  not  a  man  trust  his 
Maker,  and  rest  upon  the  counsel  of  his  Father,  before  all  other 
things  ?  Should  not  the  promise  of  the  holy  Lord,  the  God  of 
truth,  be  believed  above  all  carnal,  false  fears  and  shallow  ways 
of  human  wisdom  ?  It  is  just  with  God  to  harden  men's  hearts 
in  their  distrust  of  his  faithfulness,  because  they  dare  not  rely 
upon  him.  But  such  as  will  roll  their  ways  upon  the  Lord,  do 
find  him  always  as  good  as  his  word.  I  bless  his  name,  we  all 
continue  in  health,  and  this  day  I  expect  your  brother  from 
Cambridge.  I  wish  you  coidd  meet  with  some  safe  means  to 
send  to  your  brother  Henry.  I  have  found  two  sturdy  youths, 
that  would  go  to  liim.  If  Capt.  Powell  return  not  soon,  I  shall 
fear  he  hath  miscarried,  and  then  shall  w^e  see  God's  providence, 
that  your  brother  returned  not  with  him. 

"  I  cannot  come  up  till  the  week  after  Easter  ;  but  you  may 
know  Mr.  Featherstone's  resolution  in  the  mean  time.  J  pray, 
inquire  how  things  go  in  the  parliament,  and  write  to  me  of 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  251 

tliem  ;  but  things  wlucli  are  doubtful,  let  pass.  If  the  commis- 
sion for  the  na^5'  be  dissolved,  what  employment  hath  your  cap- 
tain then  ?  for  it  seems  he  was  lately  put  into  it.  When  you 
see  him  or'lier,  commend  me  kindly  to  them. 

"  We  want  a  little  tobacco.  I  had  very  good,  for  seven  shil- 
lings a  pound,  at  a  grocer's,  by  Holburn  Bridge.  There  be  two 
shoj)S  together.  It  Avas  at  that  which  is  farthest  from  the  bridge, 
towards  the  Conduit.  If  you  tell  him,  it  is  for  him  that  bought 
half  a  pound  of  Yerina  and  a  pound  of  Virginia  of  liim  last 
term,  he  will  use  you  well.  Send  me  half  a  pound  of  Virginia.  I 
would  gladly  hear  of  a  chamber  in  the  Temple,  or  in  some  other 
convenient  place  ;  for  that  I  have  is  much  too  dear. 

"  I  ha^e  many  letters  to  write  :  therefore  I  end ;  and,  with 
my  love  and  blessing  to  you,  I  commend  you  to  the  protection 
and  good  government  of  the  Lord,  and  rest 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  Jo.  Winthrop. 

"M.UICH  18,  1627. 

"I  think  to  send  my  brother  DoAvning  a  greyhound." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Soil. 
"  To  my  very  loving  Son,  John  Winthroj),  London. 
"  Sox  JoHX, — I  received  your  letter  and  the  books  you  sent, 
for  which  I  do  thank  you.  I  bless  God  for  the  continuance  of 
your  health  and  welfare,  which,  through  his  mercy,  vre  all  here 
also  enjoy  ;  only  myself  have  a  sore  hand,  AA'hich  makes  me  that 
I  cannot  write. ^  For  the  note,  Avhich  you  mentioned  in  your 
letter,  I  received  it  not.  I  desu'e  to  hear  from  you  concerning 
]\lr.  Featherstone's  resolution,  and  whether  you  have  Inquired 
out  a  chamber  for  me,  or  else  to  take  order,  that  I  may  have 
that  I  had  before.  I  pray  send  me  down  six  ,of  Mr.  Egerton's 
cattle.  For  the  stuff  for  the  gowns,  you  may  buy  it  of  some 
olive  color,  or  such  like.  Either  let  there  be  several  colors, 
or  else  the  velvet  for  the  capes  of  several  colors.  Remember  us 
all  to  your  uncles  and  aunts  and  the  rest  of  our  friends.     Pray 

1  This  letter  is  in  the  hand^vriting  of  Forth  Winthrop. 


252  '  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

your  uncle  Downing  to  send  me  an  answer  of  my  last  week's 
letter,  and  thank  your  aunt  Downing  for  lier  kind  letter  and 
oranges,  and  excuse  my  not  writing  to  them  all,  for  my  hand  is 
so  as  I  am  not  able.  Your  grandmother  and  mother'  salute  and 
bless  you.  So,  with  my  love  and  blessing  to  you,  I  commend 
you  to  the  protection,  direction,  and  good  providence  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  and  rest 

"Your  loving  father,  "John  Winthrop. 

"Maech  31,  1628."' 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  his  loving  Son,  Mr.  John  Winthrop,  at  Mr.  Fones's  House  in  the 
Old  Bailey,  London. 

"Son  John, — I  received  your  letter,  with  the  things  you 
sent.  I  do  praise  God  for  the  continuance  of  your  health  and 
welfare.  For  myself,  my  hand  is  so  ill  as  I  know  not  when  1 
shall  be  able  to  travel.  It  hath  pleased  God  to  make  it  a  sharp 
affliction  to  me.  I  hope  he  will  dispose  it  for  my  good,  and, 
in  his  due  time,  send  me  deliverance.  For  your  journey  intend- 
ed, seeing  you  have  a  resolution  to  go  to  sea,  I  know  not 
where  you  should  go  with  such  religious  company,  and  under 
such  hope  of  blessing ;  only  I  am  loath  you  should  think  of 
settling  there  as  yet,  but  to  be  going  and  coming  awhile  and 
afterward  to  do  as  God  shall  offer  occasion.  You  may  adven- 
ture somewhat  in  the  plantation  at  the  present,  and  hereafter 
more,  as  God  shall  give  enlargement.  If  Mr.  Featherstone 
will  not  deal,  I  will  look  no  further ;  but  your  uncle  Fones 
shall  have  it,  and  the  odd  £50  may  be  for  your  occasions. 
Commend  me  heartily  to  all  your  uncles  and  aunts.  Desire 
them  to  be  mindful  of  me  in  their  prayers.  Thank  your  aunt 
Downing  for  her  kind  letter.  •  Tell  her  I  see  she  now  means 
to  work  upon  the  advantage  in  setting  me  upon  the  score  for 
letters  when  I  want  my  hand  to  free  myself.     Put  your  uncle 


1  It  will  be  remembered,  that,  according  to  Old  Style,  March  31, 1628,  would  be  only 
thirteen  days  after  March  18, 1627,  —  the  date  of  the  preceding  letter. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  253 

Downing  in  mind  again  of  my  chamber,  and  tell  him,  tliat  this 
day  my  brothe»  Gostling  and  another  shall  go  about  the  busi- 
ness he  did  Avrite  of.  Tell  him  also,  that  Peter  Alston  is  dead. 
Commend  me  to  Edward,  and  desire  liim  to  get  me  out  a  privy 
seal  against  John  Carver,  clerk,  and  Eliza  his  Avife,  at  the  suit 
of  Mr.  Attorney,  on  the  behalf  of  Thomas  Foule.  .In  the 
business  concerning  your  voyage,  I  pray  be  advised  by  your 
uncle  and  other  your  worthy  friends,  who  are  experienced  in 
these  affairs ;  but,  above  all,  seek  direction  and  blessing  from 
God.  And  so,  being  forced  to  use  another's  pen,^  so  as  I  am 
not  at  that  freedom  to  write  as  I  would,  I  end ;  and,  with  your 
grandmother's  and  mother's  salutation  and  blessing  unto  you,  I 
commend  you  to  the  gracious  providence,  dhection,  and  rich 
blessing  of  the  Almighty.     Farewell. 

"Your  loving  father,  "John  Winthrop. 

«'Aprel  7,  1628. 

"As  soon  as  I  am  able  to  stir  about  the  house,  I  will  look 
out  those  geometrical  instruments  and  books, ^  and  send  them 
unto  you,   and  any  thing  else  that  you  will  write  for." 

Winthi'op's  allusion  to  Thisleworth,  in  the  first  of  the 
four  letters  just  given  (dated  Feb.  25,  1627),  proves  that 
the  follow^ing  letter  of  his  wife,  in  which  she  discusses  the 
proposed  removal,  belongs  to  the  history  of  that  win- 
ter. Thistleworth,  now  well  knovsm  as  Isleworth,  is  a 
parish  in  Middlesex  County,  on  the  Thames,  nearly  op- 
posite to  Richmond.  Margaret's  grave  apprehensions, 
that,  if  her  husband  resided  there  while  engaged  in  pro- 
fessional business  in  London,  the  passage  down  the  river 
might  be  dangerous  and  "  the  waters  perilous,"  are  a  little 


1  This  letter,  also,  is  in  the  hand^titing  of  Forth  Winthrop. 

2  A  copy  of  the  Conic  Sections  of  Apollonius  Pergaeus,  the  Great  Geometer  (Venice, 
1537),  which  belonged  to  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  is  in  my  possession,  containing  his 
autograph  annotations. 


254  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

amusing  in  these  days.     There  was  cause  enough  for 
them,  we  doubt  not,  when  her  letter  was  written. 


Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"  To  my  deare  and  very  lovinge  Husband  John  "Winthrope  Esquire  at 
Mr.  Downings  house  in  Fleet  Street  right  over  agaynst  the  Coun- 
duit  these  deliver  —  London. 

"  My  beloved  and  good  Husband,  —  I  must  craue  par- 
don for  my  not  righting  to  you  the  last  weeke.  Your  letter 
came  so  late  to  my  hands  upon  Tuesday  that  I  coulde  not 
right  that  night,  and  hearinge  of  no  other  mesenger  I  have  bin 
constrayned  to  let  it  alone  till  this  weeke,  and  so  have  had  the 
more  time  to  consider  of  it.  I  doe  ioyne  with  you  in  beseech- 
in  ge  the  Lorde  to  direct  our  wayes  and  thoughts  aright  hearein, 
and  that  wee  may  submit  unto  his  holy  will  in  this  and  all  other 
thinges,  to  doe  that  may  be  for  his  glory  and  the  comfort  of 
ourselues  and  others.  I  doe  see  yours  and  the  rest  of  my 
frends  great  love  and  care  of  me  and  of  all  ours,  in  that  you 
are  so  mindfull  of  our  good,  w*'^  doeth  more  and  more  knet  my 
affections  to  you.  I  pray  God  I  may  walke  so  as  I  may  be 
worthy  of  all  your  loves.  For  the  matter  of  which  you  right 
about,  of  takelnge  a  house  at  Thisel worth,  I  like  well  in  some 
respect,  in  regard  of  the  good  Minister  and  good  people  and 
teachinge  for  our  children.  But  I  must  aledge  one  thinge,  that 
I  feare  in  your  cominge  to  and  fro,  lest  if  you  should  be  ventrus 
upon  the  water,  if  your  passage  be  by  water  w*^*^  I  know  not.  It 
may  be  dangerous  for  you  in  the  winter  time,  the  wether  beinge 
colde  and  the  waters  perilous.  And  so  I  shoulde  be  In  contl- 
nuall  feare  of  you  lest  you  should  take  any  hurt.  I  did  confir 
with  my  mother  about  it  and  she  thinkes  you  had  better  take 
a  house  in  the  City,  and  so  come  home  to  your  own  table  and 
familye  ;  and  I  am  of  the  same  minde,  but  I  shall  all  wayes 
submit  to  what  you  shal  thinke  fit.  Upon  the  best  considera- 
tion I  can  take,  I  have  resolved  to  stay  heare  this  winter,  In 
regard  that  my  littel  one  is  very  yonge  and  the  wayes  very  bad 


OF  JOiiN  "\^^NTIIRO^.  255 

to  remove  such  things  as  wee  shall  stande  in  nede  of,  and  m^c 
shal  leave  things  very  imsetled,  and  to  keepe  two  fiimylies  will 
be  very  chargable  to  us.  And  so  .1  tliinke  it  will  be  our  best 
corce  to  remove  in  the  springe,  and  in  the  meane  time  commend 
it  to  God.  It  is  allredy  reported  about  the  country e  that  we 
shal  remove  and  so  it  will  be  the  lesse  strange  to  them,  because 
they  loke  for  it  all  ready,  and  you  are  to  be  so  much  from 
home. 

"  I  have  received  y*""  Idnde  letter  by  my  brother  Goslinge  for 
■vych  I  hartily  thanke  you  and  for  my  good  sermon  w*^^^  you  sent 
with  it.  You  doe  dayly  manyfeast  y"'"  love  to  me  and  care  for 
my  spirituall  good,  as  well  as  temperall,  w'^''  is  best  of  all.  I 
desire  of  God  I  may  chuse  the  better  part  w*^"^  cannot  be  taken 
from  me,  w*"^  Avill  stand  me  in  stead  when  all  other  things  fayle 
me.  For  our  condishion  here  wee  have  yet  M""  Leys  helpe  in 
our  famvlve,  but  he  is  to  remove  very  spedily,  his  house  beinge 
all-most  finished,  and  then  we  shall  want  helpe  for  good  exer- 
cises. The  Lord  in  mercy  upholde  us  and  strenkthen  us  by  his 
holy  spirit.  I  cannot  but  with  greefe  beare  y"""  longe  abcence, 
but  I  hope  that  this  will  be  the  last  time  we  shall  be  so  long 
asunder,  w'^'^  doeth  sumwhat  stay  and  comfort  me.  The  Lord 
grant  I  may  find  sweetnesse  in  Christ  Jesus  my  spirituall  Hus- 
band, who  is  alwayes  with  me  and  never  fayleth  me  in  time  of 
neede,  nor  will  fayle  me  unto  the  end  of  my  life  or  the  life  to 
come.  My  good  mother  commends  hir  love  to  you  all  and 
thankes  you  for  hir  tobacko.  She  would  pray  you  to  be  care- 
full  of  y°'  selfe  that  you  take  no  colde.  I  desire  to  have  my 
love  very  kindely  remembred  to  my  brother  Downinge  and  sis- 
ter, my  brother  Foones  and  sister,  and  all  my  cosins.  I  prayse 
God  we  continue  stil  in  helth  :  our  children  at  home  remember 
thear  duty  to  you.  I  thinke  very  longe  to  heare  of  our  sonnes 
at  sea.  I  pray  God  send  iis  good  nuse  of  them.  And  thus 
Avith  my  best  affection  remembred  to  my  deare  Husband  I  take 
my  leave  and  commit  you  to  God. 

"  Your  faythfull  and  obedient  Avife 

"  IVLiKGARET  WlNTHROPE. 


256  LIFE    AND    LETTEES 

"  I  have  sent  you  a  payr  of  shoes.  My  mother  would  know 
if  she  should  send  up  a  cupple  of  geese  ;  thay  be  resonable 
good  ones.  I  sent  the  letter  to  Mr.  Weneiye,  but  he  was  not 
at  home.  There  came  one  for  money  for  Thomas  Arkesden. 
Grandmother  and  I  payed  it.  I  have  payed  Sug.  and  Peyer 
Haksel,  my  brother  Foones  tenant,  hath  payed  25'  and  woulde 
know  who  shoulde  apoynt  him  out  his  logs  to  burne  this  win- 
ter, and  he  sayth  that  you  have  a  bil  of  charges  that  he  layed 
out ;  he  woulde  pray  you  to  put  my  brother  in  minde  of  it. 
My  brother  Goslinge  will  send  up  the  money  as  soone  as  he 
doth  heare  of  a  safe  mesenger." 


The  elder  Winthrop,  in  his  two  last  given  letters, 
refers  to  a  serious  injury  which  had  happened  to  one  of 
his  hands.  His  devoted  son  seems  to  have  sought  at 
once  for  some  prescription  to  relieve  him ;  and  the  fol- 
lowing letter  will  tell  with  what  success.  It  seems  that 
"  old  women's  nostrums  "  were  not  unknown  to  London 
in  those  days.  His  father  replies  by  writing  a  long  letter 
with  his  left  hand ;  and  we  will  do  him  the  justice  to 
say,  that  it  is  quite  as  legible  as  many  of  those  written 
with  his  right.  The  son  rejoins  in  a  letter  containing 
many  interesting  items  of  pohtical  information;  and 
then  we  are  able  to  conclude  the  series  with  one  of 
Margaret's  sweet  letters,  in  which  she  tells  him  most 
tenderly,  "I  will  not  looke  for  any  long  letters  this 
terme,  because  I  pitty  y""'  poore  hande :  if  I  had  it  heere 
I  would  make  more  of  it  than  ever  I  did,  &  bynde  it  up 
very  softly  for  fear  of  hurting  it."  No  doubt  this  would 
have  been  the  most  welcome  surgery  he  could  have 
enjoyed. 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  257 


John  Winthrop,  jun.,  to  his  Father. 
"  To  tlie  wor"  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop  Esq.  —  in  Groton. 

"  Sir,  — My  duty  remembered  unto  you,  I  am  very  sorry  to 
heare  that  your  hand  continueth  so  ill,  but  I  hope,  by  God's 
pro\-idence,  you  shall  finde  helpe  by  those  thinges  I  have  sent 
you,  Avhich  I  receyved  from  a  M'oman  that  is  very  skilfull,  & 
much  souofht  unto  for  these  thinges.  She  is  sister  to  Mr. 
Waterhouse  the  linnen  draper  in  Cheape  side,  by  whose  meanes, 

1  was  brought  to  her.  She  told  me,  if  you  were  at  London  she 
made  noe  doubt  but  to  cure  it  quicly,  but  because  you  cannot 
come  up  she  therefore  gave  me  these  plaisters  to  send  to  you, 
&  said  that  if  it  were  not  gangreened  she  would  warrant  them 
by  Gods  helpe  to  doe  you  present  good.  The  use  of  them  is  as 
folio weth  :  Take  the  yellow  plaister,  as  much  as  will  cover 
your  sore  finger  all  over  to  the  next  joynt  below  the  sore,  &  on 
the  rest  of  your  finger  whereon  this  plaister  doth  not  lye,  lay 
as  much  of  the  blacke  plaister  as  will  cover  it  all  over,  this 
must  be  done  twice  a  day,  morning  &  evening,  till  it  beginneth 
to  grow  well,  &  then  once  a  day.  The  other  blacke  plaister 
you  must  lay  all  over  your  hand,  &  that  you  must  shift  once  in 

2  or  3  dayes.  You  must  not  wash  it,  nor  lay  any  other  thing 
to  it.  This  will  draw  out  the  thorne,  if  any  be  in,  &  heale  it 
both.  She  will  take  nothing  for  it,  &  therefore  I  doe  the 
rather  credit  hir,  for  she  doth  it  only  for  freinds,  &c.  I  pray 
you  therefore  use  it,  &  leave  of  any  other  course  of  surgery.  I 
Avish  you  were  here  at  London  where  she  might  dresse  it  her 
selfe.  For  nerves  I  cannot  write  so  good  as  the  last ;  this 
bearer  will  fully  satisfye  you  of  all  pi-oceedings,  which  every 
day  alter  &  change,  sometime  like  to  be  good,  by  &  by  crosse 
againe. 

"  For  my  voyage  to  new  England  I  doe  not  resolve  (espe- 
cially following  my  uncle  Do^vnings  advice)  except  I  misse  of 
the  Straights,  but  I  will  stay  till  you  have  sold  the  land  though 
I  misse  of  both  :  thus  with  my  duty  remembered  againe  to  your 

33 


258  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

selfe,  with  my  grandmother  &  mother,  &  my  love  to  my  bro- 
thers &  sisters  &  the  rest  of  our  frelnds,  I  commend  you  to 
Gods  protection  &  rest 

"Your  Obedient  Son  "John  Wintheop. 

"London:  April  11  1628. 

"My  uncle  fFones  hath  paid  10^''  to  my  aunt  Branch/  he 
wondered  he  had  no  order  from  you. 

"We  are  all  well  (God  be  thanked)  they  all  commend  their 
love  to  you.     You  need  not  send  the  Instruments." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"My  good  SONNE, — As  I  have  alwayes  observed  your 
lovinge  &  dutyfuU  respects  towards  me,  so  must  I  needs  allso 
now,  in  that  sence  which  you  have  of  my  affliction,  &  that 
care  &  paynes  you  have  taken  to  procure  my  ease  ;  w*^^  besides 
the  confirminge  of  my  fatherly  affection  towards  you,  wilbe 
layd  by  in  store  w**^  the  righteous  Lorde,  for  length  of  dayes  & 
blessings  upon  you  in  tyme  to  come.  I  prayse  God  my  finger 
is  well  amended,  my  Surgeon  did  his  parte  well,  &  stayde  the 
gangreene  &  tooke  out  the  mortified  fleshe,  but  because  your 
love  &  peines  should  not  be  loste,  I  have  betaken  my  selfe 
wholly  to  your  plaister,  w'^^  the  Surgeon  likes  well  enough  of; 
&  I  prayse  God  it  goeth  well  forward.  I  hope,  if  God  will, 
to  be  at  London  w**^in  this  fortnight.  I  pray  make  sure  of 
some  Chamber  for  me,  &  if  you  can,  gett  M""  ffeatherstons 
resolution,  for  I  wUl  make  no  new  bargaines  w*'^  him  ;  if  he 
refuse,  speake  with  your  uncle  ffones  about  it,  &  if  he  will  deale 
with  it,  let  the  writinges  be  gotten  readye  ag*  I  come  up,  that 
you  may  gett  readye  for  yo'  voyage,  which  yet  you  shall  not 
need  to  lose  for  any  stay  about  this.  I  am  verye  glad  that 
your  Capt.  hath  recovered  his  hand,  when  you  see  him  com- 
mend me  kindly  to  him  &  to  Mrs.  Best  &  likewise  to  Doctor 

1  This  is  one  of  the  payments  to  which  the  elder  Winthrop  referred  when  he  spoke 
of  "  lO""  for  my  A.  B  ,"  and  which  has  formed  the  subject  of  a  footnote  on  page  213. 
We  know  not  who  this  Aunt  Branch  was. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  259 

Burgesse  &  his  sonne.  My  yellow  plalster  wilbe  spent  tins 
week,  bnt  of  the  blacke  I  have  more  than  I  shall  use.  My 
naile  is  almost  shotte  of,  I  feare ;  the  short  bone  under  my 
nayle  is  putrified,  but  my  finger  will  not  be  the  shorter  for  the 
losse  of  that  bone.  We  are  all  in  good  health  I  prayse  God, 
your  grandmother  &  mother  salute  &  blesse  you.  I  wish  you 
would  finde  out  Sir  Nath  :  Barnardiston,  &  remember  my  ser- 
vice to  him,  &  tell  him  though  I  could  not  write  to  him,  I  have 
sent  to  know  how  he  doth  &  his  Ladye.  Thus  beseeching  our 
heavenly  Father  throughe  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  blesse, 
guide,  &  prosper  you  in  all  yo'  wayes,  &  so  to  reveale  to  your 
soule  the  glorious  riches  of  Christ  &  the  sweet  pleasures  of  his 
grace,  as  being  filled  &  satisfied  therewith  you  may  desire  no 
other  happinesse,  I  ende  &  rest  allwayes 

"  Yo""  lovinge  father  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"Aprux  15  1628. 

"  (This  was  -written  with  his  left  hand  when  his  finger  of  his  other  hand  was  sore 
as  mentioned  in  the  letter),  l 

"  This  trouble  of  my  hand  hath  so  hindered  me  in  the  dis- 
posinge  of  my  affaires  as  I  must  be  forced  to  come  downe  next 
vacation,  so  as  it  wilbe  midsomer  ere  your  mother,  etc.  can 
come  up." 

John  Winthrop,  jun.,  to  his  Father. 

"  To  the  wor"  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop  Esq.  in  Groton. 

"Sir, — I  receyved  your  letters,  my  selfe  &  all  our  freinds 
heere  much  rejoycing  to  hear  from  you  so  good  newes  of  your 
hand,  whereof  your  former  letters  put  us  in  noe  small  feare. 
I  have  sent  you  some  more  plaisters.  I  told  the  gentlewoman 
of  the  bone  which  you  feared  was  putrified ;  she  saith  that  her 
plaister  will  draw  it  out,  if  it  be,  &  heale  it  both  without  any 
other  thing.  I  hope  you  wilbe  at  London  before  you  shall 
need  any  more.  The  gentleman  that  my  uncle  dealt  with 
about   the  Chamber   is    not  yet  come  to  towne,  but  I  have 

1  The  passage  in  parenthesis  is  in  the  hand  of  John  Winthrop,  jun. 


. 260  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

inquired  where  your  former  Chamber  was  ;  it  is  already  lett 
out,  but  you  may  have  a  lessei  in  the  same  house  &  cheap. 
My  uncle  Downing  &  aunt  commend  them  to  you ;  he  came 
home  late  last  night  from  Nelmes,  &  went  this  morning  to  the 
M""  &  therefore  desireth  to  be  excused  for  not  wrighting,  but 
sends  you  tliis  newes  —  that  Mr.  Noy  hath  lately  had  a  triall  in 
the  West  Countrie  at  the  Assises  against  the  Constables  for 
Cessing  of  his  tenants  for  the  billeting  of  soldiers,  (who  for 
that  refused  to  pay  their  rents  complaining  that  by  reason  of 
those  taxes  they  were  not  able) ,  &  hath  recovered  against  the 
Constables.  My  aunt  sayth  she  would  write  but  that  she 
pitieth  you  that  you  should  write  so  many  letters  with  your  left 
hand,  therefore  she  will  not  this  weeke  provoke  you  to  it  by 
hers.  On  Munday  last  the  lower  house  made  a  speech  to  the 
King  in  the  Banquetting  house  and  spake  very  freely  to  him 
about  the  greivances  of  the  subject.  This  day  &  tomorrow 
are  daies  of  great  expectation  what  conclusion  wilbe  betweene 
them,  which  is  hoped  to  bee  well  &  that  there  wilbe  good 
agreement,  which  God  in  mercy  grant.  Thus  with  my  duty 
remembered  to  your  selfe,  my  mother  &  grand  mother,  with  my 
love  to  my  brothers  and  sister,  &  the  rest  of  our  freinds,  I 
commend  you  to  Gods  protection  &  rest 

"Your  Obedient  Sonne  "John  Westtheop. 

"Lond:  ApriU  18:  1628. 

"  My  uncle  Fones  &  aunt  commend  them  to  you. 

"  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  my  uncle  Gostlin  &  aunt  &c. 

"  The  privy  scale  is  in  the  box  &c." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"LoVDfGE     AND     MOST     DEAEE     HuSBAND, NoW    in    this 

solytary  and  uncomfortable  time  of  your  longe  absence,  I  have 
no  other  meaiies  to  shew  my  love  but  in  theese  poore  fruts  of 
my  pen,  with  w*^^  I  am  not  able  to  expresse  my  love  as  I  desire, 
but  I  shall  endeavor  allwaies  to  make  my  duty  knowne  to  you 
in  some  measure  though  not  answearable  to  your  deserts  and 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  261* 

love.  Although  It  pleseth  God  to  part  us  for  a  time,  I  hope 
he"  will  bringe  us  together  agalne  and  so  provide  that  we  may 
not  be  often  asunder,  if  it  may  be  for  our  good  and  liis  glory  ; 
and  now  I  thinke  longe  to  heare  of  thee  and  of  your  safe 
cominge  to  London.  I  will  not  looke  for' any  longe  letters  this 
terme  because  I  pitty  y*"^  poore  hande  ;  if  I  had  it  heere  I  would 
make  more  of  it  than  ever  I  did,  and  bynde  it  up  very  softly 
for  fear  of  hurting  it.  But  1  doubt  not  but  you  have  better 
helps.  I  thanke  God  we  are  all  heare  in  health,  onely  little 
Sam,  who  hath  bin  very  sick,  but  I  hope  he  will  doe  well 
aoainne.  I  am  ijlad  I  did  not  weane  him  for  he  will  now  take 
nothing  but  the  brest.  Thus  it  pleaseth  the  Lord  to  exercise 
us  with  one  affliction  after  another  in  love ;  lest  we  should 
forget  our  selves  and  love  this  world  too  much,  and  not  set  our 
affections  on  heaven  wheare  all  true  happyness  Is  for  ever.  I 
thinke  to  right  to  thee  the  latter  end  of  this  weeke  by  M^ 
Brand,  and  so  I  will  now  rite  the  lesse.  I  receved  a  letter 
from  my  sonne  John,  I  pray  tel  him  I  thanke  him  hartyly  for 
it  and  avIU  take  some  other  time  to  rite  to  him  though  I  cannot 
now.  Joseph  Cole  is  come  home,  &  thus  with  my  mothers 
and  my  owne  best  love  to  you  and  the  rest  of  our  frends,  I 
commit  you  to  the  Lord  and  rest 

"Your  Obedient  Wife         " IMaiigaiiet  Winthrop. 

"May  1,  1628. 

"  I  did  receave  a  speach  of  S'  John  Elliott  w«^  I  thinke  M' 
Borros  sent  you,  so  I  have  not  sent  it  up,  thinkinge  you  may 
meet  ^\4th  the  same  at  London.  Forth  and  Mary  and  the  rest 
of  our  children  remember  theare  duty  to  you,  and  theare  love  to 
theare  brother  John  and  all  thear  cosins." 


This  last  letter  was,  of  course,  addressed  to  the  elder 
Winthrop,  at  London;  whither  he  had  gone  again  to 
attend  the  Easter  Term  of  Court.  The  speech  of  Sir 
John  Eliot,  alluded  to  in  the  postscript,  was  undoubtedly 


262  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

one  of  those  fearless  utterances  against  the  tyrannical 
measures  of  the  Crown,  on  account  of  which  he  had 
already  suffered  confinement  in  the  Gatehouse,  and  which 
not  long  afterwards  cost  that  noble  patriot  an  imprison- 
ment in  the  Tower,  from  which  he  was  released  only  by 
death. 

An  additional  illustration  of  Winthrop's  character  and 
habits,  at  the  period  included  in  the  chapter  which  we 
now  close,  is  furnished  by  a  little  autograph  volume, 
found  among  his  papers,  in  which  all  the  sermons  which 
he  heard  on  Sundays  and  on  prayer-days,  during  a  large 
part  of  the  years  1627  and  1628,  are  noted,  with  the 
names  of  the  preachers,  the  texts  of  thek  discourses,  and 
the  various  heads  and  arguments  carefully  written  out. 
These  notes  are  often  so  copious,  that  it  would  not  be 
difficult  to  write  out  whole  sermons,  of  at  least  the  ordi- 
nary length  of  modern  times,  from  the  briefs  which  this 
little  volume  supphes. 


or  JOHN  WINTHROP.  263 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

THE   ORIENTAL    TOUR   OF   JOHN  WINTHROP,  JUN.      CORRESPOND- 
ENCE   BETWEEN    HIM    AND    HIS    FATHER,  1628-9. 

The  younger  Winthrop,  having  abandoned  the  idea  of 
accompanying  Endicott  to  New  England,  appears  to 
have  departed  soon  afterwards  on  an  extended  European 
and  Oriental  tour.  He  was  absent  from  England  for 
more  than  fourteen  months.  Three  of  them  he  spent 
at  Constantinople,  and  at  least  two  at  Venice  and  Padua. 
There  were  but  few  facilities  for  land  travel  in  those 
days ;  and  his  visits  seem  to  have  been  confined,  for  the 
most  part,  to  places  which  could  be  reached  by  water. 
He  took  passage  on  board  the  ship  "  London,"  Capt. 
Maplesden,  which  sailed  on  the  17th  or  18th  of  June, 
1628.  We  hear  of  him  first  at  Leghorn,  in  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  his  father ;  to  which  we  append  the  father's 
reply :  — 

John  Winthrop,  jun.,  to  his  Father. 

"  To  the  worp"  John  Winthrop  Esq.  at  Groton  in  Suffolke. 

"LiGORNE,  July  14:   1628. 
"  Sir,  — I  am  forced  for  the  more  convenient  passage  of  my 
letters  in  a  merchants  paquet  to  be  more  breife  then  otherwise 
I  should,  but  I  hope  hereby  they  wiU  come  to  your  hands  safe 


2G4  LIFE    A^D   LETTEES 

&  with  more  speed ;  which,  if  they  were  by  them  selves,  would 
lye  long  before  they  could  come  to  you.  You  shall  hereby 
understand,  that  we  arrived  safely  (God  be  thanked  for  it)  at 
this  port  the  7  of  this  month,  being  but  20  daies  since  we  left 
sight  of  the  lands  end  of  England  and  26  since -our  departure 
out  of  the  Downes.  We  had  (I  thanke  God)  both  health  & 
faire  weather  all  the  way,  and  are  now  arrived  in  a  very  plesant 
&  temperate  Countrie.  We  spake  not  with  any  ships  since  we 
lost  sight  of  England  save  only  one  English  man  of  Warr  upon 
the  coast  of  Spaine  :  once  we  mette  25  saile,  but  they  sprung 
their  luffe  &  would  not  speake  with  us.  This  place  affordeth 
little  newes,  at  this  tyme  ;  from  Genoa  there  is  newes  that  there 
is  free  trade  granted  as  is  at  this  towne,  &  from  Marseiles  that 
the  Duke  de  Guise  is  come  to  sea  with  4  gallioones  &  12  sailes 
of  gallies,  it  is  supposed  to  meete  with  Sir  Chillam  Digby,^ 
who  ,hath  taken  3  or  4  frenchmen,  hath  beene  at  Algiers,  & 
redeemed  some  20  or  30  Christian  slaves,  hath  man'd  his  prizes, 
&  is  gone  againe  towards  the  bottom.  The  newes  of  this  towne 
is  only  of  sonje  200  turkes  that  the  Dukes  Gallies  have  taken 
and  are  now  heere  making  ready  to  set  forth  againe.  Heere  is 
an  order  from  the  Duke  that  no  prizes  shalbe  brought  into  tllis 
port.  I  find  this  place  very  chargeable,  &  could  wish  I  had 
brought  no  English  mony  with  me,  for  it  is  foure  shillings  in 
the  pound  losse.  Thus  with  my  duty  remembred  to  your  selfe, 
my  mother  &  grandmother,  with  my  love  to  my  brothers  & 
sister,  my  uncle  Gostlin  &  aunt,  &  the  rest  of  our  freinds, 
desiring  your  praiers  &  blessing,  I  coinend  you  to  Gods  protec- 
tion &  rest  "  Your  obedient  Sonne 

"  John  Winthrop. 


"  It  wilbe  yet  a  month  or  5  weeke  before  we  goe  from  hence  ; 
if  you  write  to  me  after  the  receipt  hereof  I  pray  let  it  be  to 


1  Sir  Kenelme  Digby,  with  whom  the  younger  Winthrop  was  afterwards  on  terms 
of  the  most  friendly  correspondence.  —  See  Letter  of  Sir  K.  D.,  Bist.  Coll.,  vol.  x. 
3d  ser.  p.  5. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  265 

Constantinople  &  directed  to  Captaine  Maplesden,  or  M""  John 
ffreeman,  marchant,  or  some  other  way  as  you  thinke  it  may 
come  safe  to  my  hands  as  you  shall  have  occasion. 

"  I  pray  remember  my  service  to  uncle  Tindall  &  aunt  when 
you  see  them,  &  to  Captaine  Best." ' 


Joh7i  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  So>rNE  John,  — I  received  from  you  3  :  Lettres,  one  from 
Plimmouth  &  2  from  Legorne  :  the  last  dated  Aug :  11:  by 
w*^**  I  imderstande  of  y"*"  wellfare  &  good  successe  in  y*""  voyage, 
for  w'^^  my  selfe  &  all  yo""  freinds  heere  doe  muche  reioyce  & 
heartyly  thanke  the  Lorde  for  his  mercye  towards  you  :  I  mer- 
vaile  you  recieved  not  my  lettre  w*^^  I  wrote  to  you  in  June,  & 
lefte  it  at  M''  Soanes  to  be  sent  to  you.  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Soane 
also  for  a  Lettre  of  Credence  for  you,  &  appointed  to  come  to 
him  about  it,  but  before  I  could  goe,  he  was  forthe  of  towne  : 
Yo""  unckle  Downing  wrote  to  you  also  :  I  am  now  at  Groton, 
&  therefore  am  bould  w^*^  yo*"  unckle  D  :  to  trouble  him  w*'^  pro- 
curinge  you  Lettres  of  credence  for  20^''  that  it  may  be  ready 
for  you  at  yo"^  returne  to  Legorne.  I  suppose  you  have  heard 
before  this  of  the  D  :  of  Buck  :  liis  deathe,^  &  such  other  tliinffcs 
as  have  fallen  out  heare  :  I  cannot  now  write  muche  to  you, 
but  when  I  come  at  London,  (God  willinge)  I  will  write  more 
largely  of  suche  occurrents  as  are  certaine,  &  fitt  to  be  written. 
We  are  all  in  healthe  as  you  lefte  us  (God  be  praysed).  Yo' 
grandmother  &  mother  salute  &  blesse  you,  yo""  brothers  & 
sister  salute  you  :  &  yo*"  unckle  Gostlin  &  Aunte  :  Now  the 
good  Lorde  who  hathe  pleased  of  his  great  mercye  to  take  care 
of  you  from  the  Cradle  hitherto,  &  hathe,  in  liis  most  wise  & 
holy  providence,  disposed  of  you  in  this  course  of  life,  preserve. 


1  On  the  back,  the  father  writes,  "  This  Lettre  came  to  London  about  the  12  of 
Aug." 

2  The  Duke  of  Buckingham  had  been  assassinated  by  Felton,  Aug.  2-3, 1628.  Felton 
was  a  Suffolk  man,  and  had  served  under  the  duke  as  a  lieutenant  in  the  same  expedi- 
tion to  the  Isle  of  Rhe  in  which  we  have  seen  the  younger  Winthrop  engaged. 

34 


266  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

blesse,  &  prosper  you  therein,  so  as  yo'  life  may  be  improved 
to  his  glorye,  the  good  of  the  Churche,  &  yo""  owne  comfort  &, 
salvatio,  Amen.  Remember  my  lovinge  salut°  to  Captaine 
Maplesden :  Have  care  of  yo"^  heal  the,  especially  of  yo''  soule 
&  conscience,     ffarewell.  "  Yo""  lovinge  father 

"  Jo  :  WiNTHEOP. 

*'  Groton.  Septemb :  30 :  1628.  beinge  the  2 :  daye  after  I  received  yo'  last 
lettre." 


We  hear  of  the  young  traveller  next  in  the  following 
letters  from  Constantinople,  which  tell  their  own  story 
sufficiently :  — 

John  Winthrop,  jun.,  to  his  Father. 
"  To  the  wor"  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop  Esq.  in  Groton 

"Constantinople  Octob:  18  1628. 
"Sir, — My  duty  remembered  to  your  selfe,  my  mother  & 
grandmother,  with  my  love  to  my  brothers  &  sister,  my  uncles 
&  aunts  &  all  our  good  freinds  —  may  it  please  you  to  under- 
stand that  we  arrived  at  Constantinople  the  13*''  day  of  Septem- 
ber all  in  good  health  (God  be  thanked,)  hoping  the  same  of 
yourselfe  &  all  our  freinds.  When  I  came  to  this  place  I  found 
the  gentleman  to  whome  my  letter  of  credit  was  directed  to  be 
absent,  beinge  gone  down  to  Smyrna,  his  returne  expected  now 
every  day,  but  have  been  furnished  with  monyes  from  his 
Assignee ;  —  the  bill  of  exchange  I  shall  not  send  till  his  re- 
turne. I  shalbe  forced  to  take  up  more  then  willingly  I  would, 
by  reason  of  our  going  to  Venice,  where  we  are  likely  to  stay 
a  good  parte  of  the  winter,  &  our  long  stay  heere,  &  some 
places  we  touch  at  in  the  way  :  What  I  shall  pay  a  dollar  I 
know  not  yet,  but  the  dollar  goeth  very  high  heere  by  exchange, 
being  worth  5' :  4*^ :  English  :  By  the  next  vessell  I  shall  God 
willing  write  againe,  &  at  Venice  shall  hope  to  heare  from  you. 
If  you  write  thither,  it  be  best  to  direct  it  to  Capt :  Maplesden. 


OF  JOHN  -snNTirROP.  2G7 

The  newes  lieere  is  of  the  Taking  in  of  Esrom  by  the  Grand 
Seignior  which  was  kept  by  a  rebell ;  the  grand  Seignior's 
forces  are  now  in  seige  of  Bagdat,  alias  Babilon,  wliich  the 
Persian  holdeth.  Heere  have  been  hitely  many  fires  in  Con- 
stantinople. One  burnt  downe  twelve  thousand  houses.  Thus 
with  my  duty  againe  remembered,  desu-ing  your  prayers  & 
blessing,  I  rest  "Your  Obedient  son 

"JOIIN   WiNTHEOP. 

"We  shall,  God  wilhng,  depart  hence  about  a  fourtnight  or 
3  weekes  hence." 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  his  Father. 

"  To  the  WOX-"  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop  Esq.  in  Groton 

Suffolk. 

■•'Constantinople  Nov.  15.  1628. 
"  Sir,  — May  you  please  to  understand  that  I  wrote  to  you 
dated  Ocf^  18.,  sent  by  way  of  Venice,  giving  you  notice 
therein  of  my  safe  arrivall  at  this  place,  w^*^  was  about  the  13 
of  September.  My  stay  at  this  place  wilbe  I  thinke  about  a 
fortnight  longer,  &  then  (God  willing)  I  shall  goe  for  Venice 
with  the  ship  in  w"^**  I  came  out,  w*^'^  hence  is  tliither  bound. 
Having  no  acquaintance  there,  nor  letters  of  credit,  I  am 
forced  to  take  up  the  200  dollars  for  w'^''  I  had  credit  heere, 
w*=^  doth  amount  by  Exchange  at  5^  4*^  p'  dollar  to  53"^  6^  8^. 
The  bills  I  have  charged  home  upon  my  uncle  DoAvning,  it 
being  Mr.  Soane  his  order  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  ffreman  :  there 
be  three  bills  signed  to  goe  by  three  severall  occasions,  the  first 
goeth  with  these  letters.  Sir  I  have  not  yet  heard  from  you 
since  my  comming  out  of  England,  but  hope  of  your  welfare, 
whereof  I  desu-e  you  to  certify  me  by  yoiu'  letters  at  my  coming 
to  Venice,  as  also  whether  I  shall  returne  by  the  next  occasion 
or  stay  till  the  London  returneth,  w*^*^  wilbe  neere  a  yeare 
hence.  So  with  my  duty  remembred  to  yourselfe,  my  mother 
&  grandmother,  vnth  my  love  to  my  brothers  &  sister,  my 
uncles   &  aunts,    &  all  the  rest  of  our  good  freinds,  w'^^  for 


268  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

brevity  I  may  not  particularize,  desiring  your  praiers  &  bless- 
ing, I  humbly  take  my  leave  &  rest 

"Your  Obedient  Son  "John  Winthrop. 

"  The  Embassador  from  the  Emperour  was  receyved  this  day 
into  this  Citty  &  cometh  to  conclude  peace. 
"I  am,  God  be  thanked,  in  good  health." 

The  younger  Winthrop  seems  to  have  contemplated  a 
visit  to  Jerusalem  before  leaving  the  East ;  but,  finding 
no  fit  companionship  or  convoy,  he  leaves  Constantinople 
at  the  close  of  December,  and  sails  for  Venice.  We 
find  among  his  papers  a  careful  copy,  in  his  own  hand, 
of  ^  "  Relation  of  the  practizes  of  the  Jesuites  against 
Cyrillus,  Patriarch  of  Constantinople,  &  the  cause  of 
their  banishment,  penned  by  Sir  Thomas  Row^e,  kn*: 
English  Ambassadour  at  Constantmople,  1627,"  with  a 
brief  addition  of  his  own,  —  proving  what  was  the  cha- 
racter of  his  studies.  We  find,  also,  the  rough  draughts 
of  a  few  letters  of  his,  which  show  what  were  his  per- 
sonal associations  in  Constantinople.  We  give  two  of 
these  letters  just  as  they  are  found. 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  Sir  Peter  Wich,  Lord  Ambassador  at  Con- 
stantinople.^ 

"Right  Honorable, — After  the  exhibition  of  my  service 
to  your  lordship  and  my  lady,  I  crave  pardon,  if  these  rude 
lines  presume  to  kiss  your  honor's  hands.  My  duty  and  respect 
to  your  honor  urgeth  me  to  give  some  testimony  thereof;  and 


1  It  has  been  suggested  by  Mr.  Savage,  that  the  j^ounger  Winthrop  may  have 
accompanied  this  very  celebrated  minister  to  Constantinople  as  Secretary  of  Legation,  or 
Private  Secretary.  This  idea  is  hardly  substantiated  by  the  facts  furnished  in  this 
chapter;  but  we  shall  see  reason  for  thinking,  that,  on  his  way  back  from  the  East,  he 
was  invited  to  join  the  party  of  the  ambassador's  wife,  the  Lady  Wich,  who  was  return- 
ing to  England. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  269 

your  noble  favors  have  obliged  me  to  present  this  as  a  small 
earnest  of  my  thankfulness,  and  the  service  which  I  owe,  and 
desire  to  perform,  whensoever  your  lordship  shall  please  to 
command.  Here  is  no  news  worth  your  honor's  intelligence. 
We  are  this  day  setting  sail  from  the  Castles.  So,  wishing 
your  honor  a  happy  beginning  and  prosperous  continuance  of 
this  new  year,  and  many  more  to  succeed,  I  humbly  take  my 
leave,  resting,  etc. 

"Castles  of  Hellespont,  December  26,  1628." 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  Mr.  John  Freeman  at  Constantinople. 

"Noble  Sir, — TVe  are  now  to  set  saile  from  the  Castles 
of  Sestos  &  Abidos,  &  these  lines  waite  for  a  prosperous  gale 
to  clime  up  the  streames  of  Hellespont,  that  they  may  anchor 
in  the  desired  port  of  your  kind  acceptance.  I  have  in  them 
imbarked  my  love,  which  at  their  arrival  shall  present  it  selfe 
to  you  not  in  the  colored  habit  of  painted  words  but  in  the 
simple  vest  of  true  friendship ;  w*^^  I  shall  endeavor  w*'*  my 
whole  power  to  mainteine,  desiring  the  continuance  of  yours, 
if  the  unworthiness  of  the  obiect  make  you  not  iudge  it  ill 
placed.  When  I  come  to  Venice  I  shall  hope  to  heare  of  your 
welfare,  w^'^  shall  allwaies  be  most  welcome  newes  to  me.  For 
your  many  kindnesses  I  shall  remaine  alwaies  thankfull,  & 
shalbe  ever  ready  to  doe  you  any  service  w'^'^  my  best  Endea- 
vors can  be  able  to  performe.  So  wishing  you  a  merry  Christ- 
mas &  a  happy  nue  yeare,  I  commend  you  to  the  Divine 
protection  &  rest 

"  Your  lovinge  freind  ready  to  serve  you 

"John  Winthrop. 

"from  aboard  the  London  ridlnge  neere  the  Castles  of  Sestos '&  Abidos. 
Decemb :  26." 

The  reply  of  his  friend  ISIr.  Freeman  to  the  letter  last 
given  is  not  wholly  without  interest.  It  was  addressed 
to  our  young  traveller  at  Venice,  where  we  hear  of  him 


270  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

next  in  a  letter  to  his  Uncle  Downing ;  and  where,  it 
seems,  he  was  detained  a  whole  month  in  "  the  purga- 
tory of  the  Lazaretto."  Then  follow  two  other  letters 
to  Mr.  Freeman,  together  with  a  letter  from  a  Mr. 
Judah  Throckmorton,  who  would  seem  to  be  con- 
templating a  voyage  to  New  England.  Our  traveller 
is  traced  next  to  Amsterdam  by  a  letter  written  to  his 
father  on  his  arrival  there ;  and,  fifially,  we  have  evi- 
dence that  the  long  tour  was  successfully  completed  in 
the  month  of  August,  1629,  by  another  letter  to  his 
father,  dated  at  London,  and  announcing  his  safe  arrival 
there  on  a  day  of  the  month  which  is  left  blank.  The 
letters  are  given  in  then  order,  both  as  illustrating  the 
family  history  and  as  furnishing  an  authentic  accomit  of 
the  course  of  travel  at  that  remote  period. 

John  Freeman  to  John  Winthrop,  Jr. 

"  To  his  approved  good  frend  Mr.  Jn" :  Winthrope,  Gent :  In  Venice. 

"In  CoNSTANP'''' :  7  :  ffebruary  1628. 

"Mr.  Winthrop,  and  my  approved  good  trend,  —  my 
last  letter,  bare  date  y®  12  of  Jan^ ;  in  answere  to  yo''^  fro  y® 
Castles  &  Gallipoli ;  &  there  inclosed  sending  yo"  the  draught 
of  my  Statues  at  Chius,  wishing  yo"  to  shewe  it,  upp  &  downe, 
in  Ittaly  as  yo"  went,  &  if  any  did  proifer  any  mony  for  the 
things  themselfes,  I  desired  yo"  to  advise  mee,  this  was  y® 
effect  of  my"  last.  Since  w^*^  tyme,  wee  have  had  no  newes 
of  yo"  :  neither  by  letters  nor  reports,  but  ou""  hope  is  yo" 
have  a  good  passage,  &  by  this,  are  att  Vennice  arrived,  fro 
whence  I  may  shortly,  I  hope,  expect  yo""  letters,  then  y®  w^*^ 
nothing  would  be  more  gratefull  to  me  ;  for  occurrences,  either, 
private  or  publique,  nothing  of  note,  hath  succeeded  since  yo' 
departure  ;  if  yo"  had  remained  heere  till  no  we,  yo"  should 
have  had,  a  comodious  passage  for  Jerusalem,  the  w'^'^  by  Mr. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  271 

Hamilton,  y®  Scotch  gent :  is  imbraced,  &  w^'^in  this  three 
Dayes,  is  to  Departe  :  —  his  passage  is  on  a  Gaily  for  Cyprus, 
under  conduct  of  y''  Basa  of  that  place,  &  fro  thence  is  recom- 
ended  unto  certayne  Greek  Caloyeres  ^  (by  y^  Patriarch)  y*  goe 
in  his  Company ;  a  better  occasione  could  not  have  happned  in 
seaven  yeares,  &  then  hee's  like  to  thither  just  at  Easter,  the 
tyme  of  all  y®  Ceremonies.  Thus  wishing  us  a  happie  meeting 
agayne,  either  here  or  in  Eng*^  or  in  both  places,  Coinitt  yo"  to 
Gods  Divine  protection  restinge 

"  Yo'  true  frend  &  true  ser*  to  Coinand 

"  John  Freman. 
"I  pray  p''sent  my  service  unto  M""  Price,  M"^  Throckm'ton, 
Mr.  MHdmay  &c." 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  Emanuel  Downing. 
"  To  the  Wop"  Emanuell  Downing. 

"Marth  9:  1629.  r>E  Venetia. 
"Worthy  S^, — May  you  please  to  understand  that  I  am 
now  arrived  in  Venice  ;  the  day  of  o*"  arrivall  was  the  last  of 
Jan^',  having  beene  from  Constantinople  about  6  weekes.  I 
should  have  wrote  to  you  long  since,  but  coming  from  a  place 
where  the  plaugue  was  very  great,  we  could  not  be  admitted  to 
come  into  this  citty,  tUl  we  had  spent  all  february  as  prisoners 
in  their  Lazaretto  (a  place  a  great  way  distant  from  the  Cytty 
appointed  to  such  purposes)  till  it  was  apparent  that  we  were 
cleere  from  all  infection  :  so  that  not  knowing  any  by  whom  I 
might  have  my  letters  conveied,  I  could  not  write  till  my  corning 
into  the  Citty.  ]My  charges  there  were  excessive ;  I  find  them 
little  lesse  since  my  corning  into  the  Citty,  so  that  I  shall  have 
skarce  to  beare  my  charges  hence,  but  may  have  credite  heer 
for  more  when  I  want :  It  may  be  thought  I  am  a  very  ill  hus- 
band, but  none  can  beleeve  the  charges  in  these  Countries  but 
he  that  hath  exp*^  them.  The  exchange  also  maketh  them  the 
deeper,  paying  neere  6  for  4  &  would  be  more  if  I  should  take 

1  Monks  of  the  Greek  Church.  —  Worcester's  Dictionary. 


272  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

up  any  heere.  This  maketh  me  desirous  to  hasten  into  Eng- 
land ;  by  sea  I  find  no  occasion,  by  land  I  might  have  a  good 
oportunity  w*^  the  Lady  Wake,  w'''^  I  heare  would  be  very 
chargeable.  I  defFer  to  resolve  till  I  have  receyved  letters 
from  Legorne  w*^  I  heare  are  theare  for  me,  w*''^  I  gladly  expect 
dayly,  hoping  to  heare  from  you  &  my  other  good  freinds  of 
your  welfares,  w''^  since  my  departure  from  England  I  have 
had  noe  notice  of.  Heare  is  little  newes  of  Importance,  saving 
of  the  French  King's  coining  into  Italy,  w'''*  is  thought  heare 
cannot  but  bring  forth  some  notable  effect ;  he  hath  allready 
made  peace  between  Mantoa  &  Savoi,  &  it  is  thought  entendeth 
to  goe  ag*  Genoa.  Thus  w*'^  the  remembrance  of  my  duty  & 
love  to  your  selfe  &  my  aunt,  w**^  my  salutations  to  my  cozens 
and  freinds,  I  comend  you  to  Gods  protection  &  rest 

"Your  loving  Cosen  to  command         "  John  Wintheop." 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  John  Freeman. 

"Venice,  Martii  28  Stilo  novo.  1629, 
"Mr.    FeEMAN    &  MY  APPROVED   GOOd   FREIND, 1   wrote 

unto  you  bearing  date  the  13  of  March,  stil :  nov :  being  then 
newly  come  out  of  the  Lazaretto,  where  noe  man  coining  at 
us,  nor  knowing  noe  man  to  send  my  letters  to  be  conveied,  I 
deferred  writing  to  you  till  my  liberty  gave  me  better  occasion. 
I  advised  you  of  o'  arrivall  heere  the  9  of  feb  :  after  6  weeks  at 
sea,  having  touched  at  Zante  by  the  way  &  some  other  ports. 
Yesterday  I  receyved  yours  of  the  7  of  feb  :  then  w*^"^  nothing 
could  have  beene  more  welcome,  being  very  glad  to  understand 
of  your  welfare.  Therein  I  understand  of  another  from  you  of 
the  12  of  January,  w*^  the  draught  of  your  Statues  inclosed, 
w*'^  never  came  to  my  hands,  w*^^  had  I  met  w^'^all  I  would  have 
used  much  diligence  therein,  espetially  in  Venice,  Padoa  &  those 
Citties  heereabout,  where  only  I  have  spent  my  tyme,  since  I 
came  hither."  —  Further  into  Italy  I  think  I  shall  not  goe,  nor 
stay  heere  long,  but  thereof  I  shall  not  be  resolved  till  the  next 
weeke.  The  Lady  Wake  being  to  depart  very  shortly  for 
England,   &  much  good  Copany  going  along,  I  doubt  I  shalbe 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROr.  273 

drawne  that  way,  but  thereof  I  shall  further  advise  you  when 
I  know  more  certainly.  I  found  Mr.  Prise  in  Padoa  to  whome  I 
delivered  your  letter,  who  was  very  glad  to  heare  &  receive  a 
letter  from  so  good  a  friend.  He  spoke  to  me  of  the  great 
friendship  between  yourself  &  him.  Mr.  Petty  is  also  at 
Padoa  but  I  have  not  scene  him ;  he  staleth  to  passe  w*^  my 
Lady  into  England.  I  hear  that  there  is  a  booke  got  out  of 
some  of  the  Inscriptions  of  his  antiquities  by  Mr.  Selden  in 
England,  w"'out  his  knowledge.  The  chelfe  newes  heere  is 
of  the  ffrcnch  king,  who  since  his  coining  into  Italy  hath  taken 
the  Spanish  Generall  prisoner,  succored  the  casell  a  castle 
neare  Matua  beseiged  by  the  Spaniard,  made  a  peace  betwixt 
Savoi  &  Mantoa,  is  now  in  Savol,  &  Is  thought  will  goe 
ag*  Genoa  :  he  filleth  world  w*^  great  expectations  of  his  actions 
what  the  event  of  them  may  be.  He  hath  had  the  Cytty  of 
Orange  delivered  up  to  him  by  the  treachery  of  the  Governour 
selling  It  into  his  hands  for  a  great  summe  of  money.  It  Is 
rumored  that  the  Hollanders  have  againe  taken  some  caracks 
of  Portugal  worth  over  the  6000000  ducats.  Of  the  former  I 
suppose  you  have  heard,  being  old  newes  when  we  came  to 
Zante.  So  w*^  my  love  &  service  remembred,  I  commend 
you  to  the  Divine  tuition  &  rest 

"Your  truest  friend  to  serve  you 

"  John  WmTHROP. 
"I  pray  present  my  service  &c." 

John  Winihrop,  Jr.,  to  John  Freeman. 

"  Good  S",  —  I  am  now  arrived  In  Christendome  :  the  ninth 
of  feb  :  stil :  nov :  was  the  day  that  we  came  into  the  Harbour 
of  Malamoco  neere  Venice,  from  whence  you  had  heard  from 
me  sooner  had  Ave  not  beene  deteyned  In  the  Purgatory  of  the 
Lazaretto  a  whole  month,  (the  continuall  expectation  to  be  at 
liberty  every  day  after  the  first  weeke,  confidently  hoped  for, 
making  me  defer  lettres,  knowing  no  man  In  Venice  by  whose 
meanes  I  might  have  them  sent  on  to  you,)  before  I  could  have 
liberty  to  enter  the  Citty.      Mr.  Throgmorton  &  the  Dutch 

35 


274  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

Gentleman  being  also  partakers  in  the  same  penalty.  To  write 
you  of  the  particulars  of  o'"  Voyage,  it  would  be  frivolous, 
remembring  nothing  that  passed  worthy  your  Intelligence,  only 
in  generall  you  shall  understand  that  from  the  Castles  to  Zant 
we  were  in  5  daies,  where  we  staied  about  a  weeke ;  there  I 
delivered  your  letter  to  M""  Hobson  :  we  found  the  Hector  there 
bound  for  England,  in  w"*^  Mr.  Throgmorton  had  gone  but  for 
feare  of  long  detention  &c. 

"  The  second  parte  of  our  voiage  was  very  longe  &  tedious 
w***  continuall  tempests  &  foule  weather,  being  a  month  in  the 
way  betwixt  Zant  &  Venice.  I  have  sent  your  letters  for  Leg- 
orne.  I  understand  since  that  Mr.  Harvy  is  gone  for  England. 
Mr.  Hide  at  the  receipt  of  your  letters  hath  kindly  offered  to 
furnish  me  w*'^  monies  where  I  shall  have  occasio,  w^'^  I  thank- 
fully acknowledge  as  a  fruite  of  your  love  for  w*^^  I  confesse 
myself  deeply  indebted  to  you,  having  found  such  extraordinary 
kindnesses  at  your  hands  whilst  I  was  w*^^  you  that  to  propor- 
tion my  thanks  w**^  your  deserts  would  be  too  difficult  for  my 
pen  to  endeavor,  only  I  pray  beleeve  that  I  am  ever  your  true 
friend  to  doe  you  any  service  w°'*  may  lye  in  compasse  of  my 
best  endeavours."  [John  Winthrop.] 

Judah  Throckmorton  to  John  Winthrop,  Jr. 

"To  my  worthy  and  very  good  ffreind  Mr.  John  Winthrope  this  In 

Zante. 
"  Noble  S'',  —  The  pardon  y""  crave  for  not  takeinge  leave 
belonges  to  mee  ;  but  the  occasion  w'=^  hindered  me  from  bringe- 
inge  y"  aboard,  will  I  hope  cause  y"^  to  make  a  favourable  con- 
struction of  that  neglect,  w'^^  by  no  other  meanes  I  should  have 
lett  slipp.  I  sent  y'^  letter  the  next  day  as  y"  desired,  but  heare 
of  noe  letters  from  Leghorne ;  if  any  hereafter  come  to  my 
hands  I  will  keepe  them  safe  for  y",  &  should  have  bine  glad 
to  have  done  y"  some  such  service  in  England,  if  it  had  pleased 
y"  to  have  writte  by  me;  but  y"  hope  your  vioadge  wilbe 
more  speedy,  w'=''  I  allsoe  wishe  y'',  w*  all  safety  ;  and  all  other 
contentment,  w'^'',  now  y"  are  ridd  of  a  troublsome  companion, 


OF   JOHN   WTNTTHROP.  275 

I  doubt  not  but  y"  shall  cnioy.  The  bootes  y**  left,  if  I  had 
bine  assured  of  y""  touchinge  at  Zant,  I  had  sent,  but  ha-vange 
some  doubt  thereof  I  may  happily  make  bould  w'*^  them,  & 
remaine  y""  debtor  for  another  paire  till  we  meete.  The  stay 
wee  have  at  ffranckfort  (be  it  more,  or  lesse)  I  will  imploy  to 
find  y''  booke ;  Soe  w**^  my  love  &  service  to  y'  selfe  I  take 
leave  and  rest 

"  Your  truly  loveinge  ffreind  to  command 

"JUDAH   ThEOCKMORTON. 
"Venice  the  17*^:  of  Aprill,  1629. 

"I  hope  we  shall  certainely  begin  our  ioymey  the  first  or 
second  of  May ;  but  I  feare  it  twilbe  longe  and  doubt  I  shall 
finde  it  more  chargeable  then  I  did  expect :  but  when  I  shall 
arrive  I  will  enquier  for  y",  to  take  some  better  instructions  for 
New  England  w'^'^  must  I  suppose  be  my  way,  or  some  such 
course  to  recover  my  expences  ;  and  to  get  some  settled  place." 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  his  Father. 

"  Worp^'  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop,  In  Groton. 

"  Amsterdam,  July  28 :  Stilo  vet :  1629. 
"  Sir,  — My  duty  remembered  to  your  selfe,  with  my  mother 
&  grandmother,  with  my  love  to  my  brothers  &  sister  &  the 
rest  of  our  good  freinds,  may  you  please  to  understand  that  I 
am  yesterday  safely  arrived  in  this  Citty  of  Amsterdam.  —  God 
be  ever  praysed  for  his  mercies,  that  he  hath  given  us  a  pros- 
perous &  safe  passage,  in  this  tyme  of  much  danger.  I  feare 
you  may  be  doubtflill  of  my  safety,  being  now  foure  monthes 
since  my  last  letters  weere  written  from  Venice ;  having  beene 
so  long  from  thence  in  the  way  most  at  sea,  saving  that  we 
touched  at  Zant  &  staied  there  a  while  for  the  company  of  2 
other  ships.  I  hoped  we  should  have  touched  in  some  place  ia 
England,  &  so  have  found  meanes  to  come  home,  but  too 
favorable  winds  crossed  my  desires  :  I  am  heere  without  ac- 
quaintance &  our  long  passage  hath  eaten  out  all  the  money 
that  I  receyved  at  Venice,  whereof  by  the  foresaid  letters  you 


276  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

have  understood,  If  they  came  to  your  hands  ;  therefore  I  pray 
you  to  send  me  a  letter  of  credit  from  some  merchant  to  some 
man  in  Flushing,  or  Middleborough,  wliich  because  I  thinke 
you  may  be  in  the  Country,  &  so  cannot  so  readily  doe,  I  have 
written  to  my  Uncle  Downing  to  desire  him  to  doe  it ;  because 
the  longer  I  stay  heere  the  more  I  shall  runn  in  debt.  There- 
fore I  would,  as  soone  as  I  can  receive  answeare  from  you  or 
my  uncle,  returne  with  all  speede  home.  I  have  not  since  my 
departure  out  of  England  heard  from  you  neyther  by  letter  nor 
otherwise,  therefore  I  long  much  to  heare  of  your  welfare,  & 
of  the  rest  of  my  good  freinds.  If  you  write  to  me,  I  pray 
conscribe  it  to  be  delivered  in  Flushing  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Henry  Kerker,  for  I  purpose  God  willing  to  goe  shortly  thither, 
where  I  shalbe  neere  to  take  my  passage  upon  all  occasions. 
For  newes  I  understand  little  since  my  coining,  the  Shertogen- 
bos  ^  that  the  prince  hath  beleagered,  it  is  hoped  will  shortly  be  • 
taken  in,  they  having  noe  powder  in  the  Citty :  the  Enemy  is 
on  the  other  side  close  by  this  place,  that  they  feare  he  hath 
some  designe  for  some  place  in  Holland  :  thus  with  my  duty 
againe  remebered,  deshing  your  praiers  &  blessinge  I  comend 
you  to  Gods  tuition  &  rest 

"  Yom-  Obedient  Sonne  "  John  Winthkop." 


John  WintJiTojj,  Jr.,  to  his  Father. 
"  To  the  worp"  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop  Esq.     In  Groton. 

"  Sir,  — My  humble  duty  remembred  unto  your  selfe  &  my 
mother  :  may  you  please  to  understand  that  I  am  (God  be 
thanked)  yesterday  safely  arrived  in  Lpndon,  now  first  under- 
standing of  the  death  of  my  grandmother  &  uncle  ffones,  to  my 
great  &  unexpected  greife,  but  we  shall  one  day  meet  againe 
with  greater  joy.  They  are  already  in  the  haven,  we  saile 
towards  it  dayly.     I  wrote  unto  you  at  my  coming  to  Amster- 


1  Hertogenbosch,  now  Bois  le  Due.     It  was  yielded  to  Henry,  Prince  of  Orange, 
Sept.  4,  1629 


or  JOHN  wmTHEOP.  277 

dam,  then  not  thinking  I  should  have  found  so  speedy  occasions 
to  come  over  ;  but  coming  to  Fllssing  where  I  thought  I  should 
have  expected  answeare  of  my  letters,  &  finding  an  English 
Ship  of  good  force  ready  to  depart.  Instigated  with  a  great 
desire  to  understand  of  your  welfare,  I  presently  Imbarqued 
my  selfe,  on  Munday  morninge  last ;  but  my  trunke  I  could 
not  get  Avith  me  on  board,  but  have  left  it  with  a  pinke  which 
will  shortly  be  in  London,  whose  coining  I  must  expect ;  for  I 
must  send  over  by  the  M''  thereof  some  mony  which  I  there 
owe,  being  about  12  pounds  :  I  rejoyce  much  to  heare  of  your 
welfare,  &  shall  thinke  longe  till  I  may  see  you  &  our  good 
freinds  with  you  :  So  deshing  your  praiers  &  blessinge,  I  com- 
mend you  to  the  Almighties  tuition  &  humbly  take  my  leave 
resting  "  Your  Obedient  Sonne  "  John  Wintheop. 
"London  Aug:  Friday  1629: 

"My  brother  Henry  I  heare  is  in  towne,  but  I  have  not  yet 
scene  him.  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  my  sister  his  wife, 
with  all  my  brothers  &  sisters  &  cozens. 

"  Also  to  my  uncle  Gosthng  &  aunt  with  Mr.  Lee  &  all  our 
good  freinds. 

"  My  Aunt  Downing  desired  to  remember  her  love  to  you, 
having  no  ley  sure  to  write  this  weeke." 

Perhaps  there  is  nothing  more  striking,  in  the  account 
of  the  tour  which  is  here  closed,  than  the  fact,  men- 
tioned in  the  last  letter  but  one,  that  not  a  smgle  line 
from  England  had  reached  the  young  traveller  during 
an  absence  of  fourteen  or  fifteen  months.  We  knovr 
how  prolific  a  letter-writer  his  father  was ;  and  that  it 
was  not  through  any  default  of  his,  that  no  tidings  from 
home,  and  no  words  of  affectionate  iuterest  and  advice, 
had  been  received  by  a  son  who  was  so  deservedly  dear 
to  him.  But  there  were  no  facilities  for  con-espondence 
with  the  absent  and  the  distant  in  those  days ;  and  both 


278  LITE    AND    LETTEKS 

the  elder  and  the  younger  Winthrop  must  have  written 
their  letters  in  great  uncertainty  whether  they  would 
ever  reach  their  destination.  Hence  there  was  but  httle 
inducement  to  our  traveller  to  make  his  letters  the  vehicle 
of  any  elaborate  account  of  his  observations  or  experi- 
ences. Some  fragments  are  found  among  his  papers, 
which  look  as  if  he  had  made  careful  note  of  Avhat  he 
saw  and  learned ;  but  there  is  nothing  preserved  in  a 
condition  for  being  printed.  He  returned  to  find  many 
changes  in  the  family  circle,  to  some  of  which  he  touch- 
ingly  alludes  m  the  letter  announchig  his  arrival.  But 
we  shall  find  a  more  appropriate  place  for  noticing 
them  in  the  next  chapter. 

Meantime,  we  may  conclude  the  present  chapter  with 
the  following  brief  but  characteristic  entry  in  the  elder 
Winthrop's  autograph  "  Experiences."  It  may  serve 
both  to  give  some  idea  of  the  amusements  of  hi^  other 
children  at  Groton  during  theh  brother's  absence,  and 
to  illustrate  once  more  the  father's  unfailing  recognition 
of  a  Divine  Hand  in  all  the  events  and  accidents  of 
life. 

"Aug  :  1628.  It  pleased  God  to  preserve  my  sonne  Adam 
in  a  very  g*  danger,  his  broth  :  Step  :  &  Ben  :  Gosthn  beinge 
neere  the  danger  also  :  for  they  standinge  togither  closse  to  the 
stable  doore,  their  broth  :  fforth  shootinge  at  a  marke  a  g*  waye 
from  them,  his  arrowe  came  full  amonge  the  children,  so  as,  to 
my  thinkinge,  it  must  needs  strike  into  Adams  side ;  but  it 
pleased  God,  it  missed  him  a  very  little,  &  struck  into  the  wall 
by  him. 

"  Soone  after,  my  sonne  Deane  fell  backward  from  a  high 
stoole  &  pitched  upon  his  head,  so  as  we  feared  his  necke  had 
been  broke ;  but,  through  Gods  mercye,  he  had  no  harme." 


OF  JOHN  WINTHKOP.  279 


CHAPTER  XV. 

WtNTHROP'S  SERIOUS  ILLNESS.     THE  DEATH  OF  HIS  MOTHER.    THE 
LOSS  OF  HIS  OFFICE.     CORRESPONDENCE  WITH  HIS  WIFE. 

We  have  deviated  somewhat  from  the  order  of  dates, 
with  a  ^iew  to  include  in  the  preceding  chapter  all  that 
was  connected  with  the  younger  Winthrop's  Oriental 
tour.  Many  events  had  occuiTed  in  the  family  circle 
during  his  absence ;  and  to  these  we  must  now  recur,  in 
explanation  of  the  correspondence  which  follows. 

About  the  end  of  November,  1628,  the  elder  Winthrop 
had  been  taken  seriously  ill  in  London,  while  there  in 
attendance  upon  the  terms  of  Court.  He  seems  to 
have  concealed  his  condition  from  his  wife  and  children 
at  Groton,  until  he  was  out  of  immediate  danger ;  and 
then  we  have  the  followiag  brief  letter :  — 

John  Winthrop  to  his  iVife. 

"My  sweet  Wife,  —  I  can  now  no  longer  dissemble  w* 
thee,  &  I  blesse  o""  most  gratious  &  heavenly  father,  in  o'"  most 
holy  Lb  :  Jesus  Christ,  that  I  may  yet  rather  tell  thee  how  I 
have  been,  than  to  have  feared  thee  w*^  the  relation  of  my  con- 
dition, when  it  was  uncertaine  what  the  issue  would  be  :  I  have 
had  an  ague  these  8  :  or  9  :  dayes.  I  cahot  saye  it  is  quite 
gone,  but  I  prayse  God  it  is  so  well  abated,  as  I  hope  to  be 
abroad  againe  over  a  fewe  dayes  (if  God  will).  I  am  heere 
amonge  such  lovinge  freinds,  as  will  suffer  me  to  want  nothinge, 
especially  the  Lord  beinge  pleased  to  be  w**^  me  allso  in  the 


280  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

favo""  &  light  of  his  countenance ;  yet  were  it  not  winter,  I 
could  want  thee ;  but  (mj  sweet  wife)  have  a  little  more 
patience  &  God  will  restore  me  to  thee  soone  :  I  must  per- 
suade, &  chardge  thee,  not  to  thinke  of  coininge  up,  for,  if  it 
should  befall  thee  other  wise  than  well,  it  would  be  worse  to  me 
than  all  this,  &  much  more.  Writing  is  now  wearinesse ;  I 
leave  thee  to  supply  all  duty,  love  etc.  Praye  for  me ;  the 
Lord  blesse  thee  &  all  o'■^     I  kisse  thee  —  farewell. 

"  This   THUESDAY  EvENINGE. 

"  If  Jack  Pease  his  father  &  mother  will  let  him  goe  over  to 
Henrye,  let  him  be  sent  up  by  Jarvais  next  weeke  ;  if  they  will 
not  let  him  goe,  they  shall  have  him  home.  If  Anth  :  Deathes 
boye  will  goe,  let  him  come  up  allso." 

The  true-hearted  Margaret  was  not  to  be  deterred,  it 
seems,  by  any  remonstrances  founded  only  upon  conside- 
rations of  her  own  convenience  or  comfort,  from  going 
at  once  to  take  care  of  her  husband ;  and  she  sets  off, 
with  no  other  attendant  than  her  maid-servant  (Amye), 
on  a  whitry  journey  to  London.  She  was  undoubtedly 
the  bearer  of  the  following  little  note  from  Winthrop's 
mother,  written  with  a  trembling  hand,  and,  as  it  proved, 
on  the  very  verge  of  her  own  grave :  — 

Anne  Winthrop  to  her  Son. 

"My  deare  and  onely  Sonne,  my  most  loving  Sonne, 
—  I  am  very  sory  for  thy  sicknes  and  pray  to  God  night  & 
day  for  thy  good  recovery  which  I  desire  with  the  most  intire 
affection  of  my  hart,  and  wish  my  selfe  present  with  thee.  I 
have  no  balme  to  send  thee,  but  I  will  offer  up  to  (the)  Lord 
the  prayers  of  a  true  mornfuU  mother's  hart  till  (I)  se  thy  face 
with  Comfort,  which  God  in  his  riche  mercie  grant  me  poore 
soule.  I  pray,  Sonne,  remember  me  to  your  brother  and 
sister.  "Your  mornfull  mother,  "A.  W." 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  281 

A  few  weeks  afterwards,  Margaret  was  obliged  to 
return  to  the  care  of  her  children  at  Groton,  Icavmg 
her  husband  happily  convalescent;  and  then  we  have 
the  two  letters  which  follow,  showing  that  other  anxie- 
ties awaited  her  at  home. 


Margaret  Wintkrop  to  her  Husband. 

"  To  my  very  loving  Husband  John  "Winthxop  Esq.  at  Mr.  Downings. 

"  My  most  deare  and  loveinge  Husband,  —  I  doe  blesse 
and  prayse  God  for  the  continuance  of  your  health,  and  for  the 
safe  delivery  of  my  good  sister  Downinge  ;  it  was  very  welcom 
Nuse  to  us.  I  thanke  the  Lord  wee  are  all  heare  reasonably 
well.  My  pore  Stephen  is  up  to  day.  Amye  hath  had  a  very 
sore  ague  but  is  weU  againe.  I  hope  the  Lord  will  heare  our 
prayers  and  be  pleased  to  stay  his  hand  in  this  visitation,  w^"^  if 
he  please  to  doe  we  shall  have  great  cause  of  thankfulnesse  : 
but  I  desire  in  tlais  and  all  other  things  to  submit  unto  his  holy 
will ;  it  is  the  Lord,  let  him  doe  what  semeth  good  in  his  owne 
eyse.  He  will  doe  nothinge  but  that  shall  be  for  our  good  if 
we  had  harts  to  trust  in  him,  &  all  shall  be  for  the  best  what 
so  ever  it  shall  please  him  to  exercise  us  wdthall.  He  wounds 
&  he  can  heale.  He  hath  never  fayled  to  doe  us  good,  &  now 
he  will  not  shake  us  off,  but  continue  the  same  God  still  that 
he  hath  bin  heare  to  fore.  The  Lord  sanctify  unto  us  what 
soever  it  shall  please  him  to  send  unto  us,  that  we  may  be  the 
better  for  it  &  furthered  in  our  corce  to  heaven.  I  am  sorye 
for  the  hard  condishtion  of  Rochell :  the  Lord  helpe  them  & 
fite  for  them  &  then  none  shall  prevayle  against  them  or  over- 
come them.  In  vaine  they  fite  that  fite  against  the  Lorde,  who 
is  a  myty  god  &  moU  destroye  all  his  enimyes.  And  now  my 
deare  husband  I  have  nothinge  but  my  dearest  affections  to 
send  thee  —  with  many  thankes  for  thy  kinde  letters,  prayinge 
you  to  except  a  little  for  a  great  deale  :  my  wiU  is  good  but 
that  I  want  abihte  how  to  show  &  expresse  it  to  thee  as  I 

36 


282  LITE    AKD    LETTERS 

desire.     I  pray  remember  me  to  my  brothers  &  sisters,  &  tel 
my  brother  Foones  I  thanke  him  for  the  thinges  he  sent,  &  so 
I  bid  my  good  husband  farewell  &  commite  him  to  God. 
"  Your  loveinge  &  obedient  wife, 

"Margaret  "Westthrope. 

"  I  send  up  a  turkeye  &  2  capons  &  a  cheese :  the  carier  is 
payde." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  deare  Wife, — I  received  thy  most  lovinge  &  well- 
come  Lettre,  &  doe  heartyly  reioyce  &  blesse  o''  heavenly  father, 
acknowledging  his  most  gratious  providence,  &  great  love 
towards  us,  as  in  all  other  thinges,  so  in  this  mercy,  in  bringing 
thee  home  in  saftye,  &  preservinge  all  o'  family  in  peace  to  thy 
coininge  :  we  see  how  faithfull  &  true  he  is  in  all  his  promises. 
O  that  we  could  make  use  of  all  o"^  experience  to  relye  more 
upon  him,  &  cast  o'  owne  cares  upon  him,  caringe  onely  to 
please  &  serve  him  :  I  am  sorrye  for  Amye  her  sicknesse,  but 
praysed  be  God,  who  hath  disposed  so  well  of  it,  that  the 
trouble  is  fallen  in  o^  owne  house,  for  it  would  have  been  far 
more  burdensome  &  inconvenient  if  it  had  fallen  heer :  I  doubt 
not  of  thy  care  of  her,  that  she  may  want  neither  meanes  nor 
attendance,  &  I  trust  the  Lord  will  restore  her  againe  in  due 
tyme.  I  prayse  the  Lord,  I  am  now  growne  indifferent  well, 
&  doe  gather  strength  daylye,  &  doe  hope  (through  his  mercy) 
we  shall  have  a  happy  meetinge  erelonge,  for  yv'^^,  &  for  the 
continuance  of  all  other  blessinges  (especially  those  w"*^  con- 
cerne  the  good  of  o""  soules) ,  let  us  be  constant  in  prayer,  &  in 
a  carefull  endeav""  to  walke  in  all  well  pleasinge  before  him. 
Remember  my  duty  to  my  good  mother,  my  blessinge  to  all  o' 
children,  &  kinde  Salut^  to  all  o""  freinds  particularly  at  Groton 
Hall  &  to  M""  Leigh  ;  thanke  him  for  his  kind  &  Christian  Let- 
tre :  O""  freinds  heer  are  all  in  health  &  desire  to  be  remembered 
to  you  all :  for  newes  I  referre  you  to  my  neighbo'  Newton  : 
we  have  received  all  the  thinges  you  sent,  my  sister  &  my  selfe 
thanke  thee  for  them.     I  will  folio  we  thy  Counsell,  &  rest  in 


OF   JOHN    WINTHROP.  283 

thy  love  for  as  kinde  acceptance  of  these,  as  thy  pretye  sweet 
short  Lettre  had  w*  me,  so  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  comend 
thee  &  all  o"  to  o""  most  mercifull  Lord  &  heavenly  father  in 
Christ ;    so  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthkop. 

"Jan'y  22,  1628." 

And  now  we  are  able  to  give,  in  this  connection,  an- 
other brief  passage  from  the  little  autograph  volume ;  in 
which  Winthrop  has  made  the  following  record  of  his 
experiences  during  the  severe  illness  from  which  he  had 
just  recovered.  His  tribute  to  his  "  honest  and  able 
physician,"  and  his  testimony  against  the  immoderate 
love  of  tobacco,  with  his  renunciation  of  the  use  of  it, 
will  not  be  unobserved. 

"Decemb  :  1628.  At  London  in  the  ende  of  Mich,  terme, 
I  fell  into  a  dangerous  hote  malign*  feaver,  wherein  the  Lord 
shewed  me  exceedinge  much  mercy e.  ffirst  he  sanctified  it 
unto  me,  by  discoveringe  many  corruptions  w"^^  had  prevayled 
over  me,  givinge  me  Repentance,  &  pardon  for  them,  thereby 
subduinge  the  fleshe  &  givinge  more  strengthe  to  the  spirit :  It 
pleased  him  to  reveale  his  favo*"  &  goodnesse  abundantly  towards 
me,  so  as  I  never  had  more  sweet  Coinunion  w*^  him,  then  in 
that  afflictio  ;  &  when  in  my  selfe  &  the  judgm*  of  others  I  was 
under  the  sentence  of  deathe,  it  pleased  him  to  restore  me  to 
life,  by  providinge  me  fitt  meanes,  an  honest  &  able  phisician, 
Doctor  Wright,  (whose  care  of  me,  &  kindnesse  in  refusinge 
any  rewarde  &c,  I  may  not  forgett) ,  &  in  blessinge  the  meanes 
to  their  desired  ende.  Among  other  benefits  I  reaped  by  it, 
this  was  one  :  deliverance  from  the  bondage  whereinto  I  was 
fallen  by  the  immoderate  use  &  love  of  Tobacco,  so  as  I  gave 
it  cleane  over.  Another  was  the  experience  of  the  love  of  his 
people  towards  me  in  all  places  where  I  was  known,  testified 


284  LIFE    AND    LETTEES 

by  their  muche  inqulrlnge  after  me,  mournlnge  for  the  feare 
w*^^  was  conceived  of  my  deathe,  &  earnest  prayinge  for  my 
recoverye  :  But  the  greatest  of  all  was,  the  assurance  he  gave 
me  of  my  salvation,  &  grace  over  some  corruptions  w'^'^  had 
gotten  masterye  of  me,  w^*^  increased  my  experience  of  his 
trueth  &  faithfullnesse  in  disposinge  the  worst  condition  of 
his  children  to  their  best  good.  I  did  likewise  observe  the 
experience  of  his  good  providence,  that  my  sicknesse  fastned 
not  upon  me  till  I  had  finished  my  lawe  businesse,  &  he 
restored  my  healthe  so  as  I  was  able  by  the  beginninge 
of  the  next  Terme  to  followe  it  againe :  The  Lord  give 
me  grace,  never  to  forgett  this  kindnesse,  but  to  cleave  fast 
unto  him,  &  to  holde  that  resolution  of  obedience  &c,  w*^'^  he 
wrought  in  me.  Other  favours  I  founde  accompanyinge  the 
former,  as  preservinge  &  prosperinge  my  wife  &  those  who 
came  up  &  returned  w^*^  her,  &  especially  so  disposinge  as  o"" 
mayd  servant,  who  came  up  w**^  her,  continued  in  healthe  all 
the  tyme  of  her  staye,  but  in  thejr  returne  at  Chelmsford  fell 
sicke,  &  gettinge  home  was  neere  unto  deathe,  but  it  pleased 
God  to  recover  hir  :  His  holy  name  be  praysed  for  ever,  for  all 
his  mercyes.     Amen." 

The  next  letter,  in  order  of  date,  is  addressed  to  his 
son  Henry,  who  had  made  a  voyage  to  the  West  Indies 
in  the  sprmg  or  summer  of  1627,  and  had  established 
himself  there,  with  a  company  of  servants,  as  a  planter 
of  tobacco.  Henry  had  evidently  been  rather  a  wild 
youth ;  and  his  adventurous  and  speculative  turn  had 
occasioned  his  father  much  anxiety  and  expense.  The 
letter  contains  a  good  deal  of  sound  advice  and  serious 
remonstrance.  It  contains  also  some  interesting  details 
of  local  and  general  histor)^  But  Henry  had  left  his 
plantation  for  a  time,  and  embarked  for  home,  before  it 
reached  its  destination. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  285 

John  fVinthrop  to  his  son  Henry. 

"  Son  Henry,  —  It  is  my  daily  care  to  commend  you  to  the 
Lord,  that  he  would  please  to  put  his  true  fear  into  your  heart, 
and  the  faith  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  you  may  be  saved, 
and  that  your  ways  may  be  pleasing  in  his  sight.  I  wish  also 
your  outward  prosperity,  so  far  as  may  be  for  your  good.  I 
have  been  sick,  these  seven  or  eight  weeks,  near  unto  death ; 
but  the  Lord  hath  had  mercy  on  me  to  restore  me ;  yet  I  am 
not  able  to  go  abroad. 

"  I  sent  you  by  Capt.  Powell  a  letter,  and  in  it  a  note  of  such 
things  as  I  likewise  sent  you  by  him,  in  a  chest  with  two  locks, 
whereof  the  keys  were  delivered  to  his  brother,  who  went  mas- 
ter of  the  ship.  The  things  cost  me  about  £35  ;  but,  as  yet, 
I  have  received  nothing  towards  it.  I  sent  divers  times  to 
Capt.  Powell  about  your  tobacco,  but  my  man  could  never  see 
it,  but  had  answer,  I  should  have  it,  or  money  for  it.  But 
there  was  ten  pounds  of  it,  by  your  appointment,  to  be  deli- 
vered to  one  and  the  worth  of  four  lb  to  another,  which  made 
me  that  I  knew  not  what  course  to  take ;  besides,  I  found,  by 
the  rolls  you  sent  to  me  and  to  your  uncles,  that  it  was  very 
ill-conditioned,  foul,  and  full  of  stalks,  and  evil  colored ;  and 
your  uncle  Fones,  taking  the  judgment  of  divers  grocers,  none 
of  them  would  give  five  shillings  a  pound  for  it.  I  desired 
Capt.  PoAvell,  (coming  one  day  to  see  me,)  that  he  would  help 
me  with  money  for  it,  which  he  promised  to  do  ;  but,  as  yet,  I 
hear  not  from  him.  I  would  have  sent  you  some  other  things 
by  Mr.  Randall ;  but,  in  truth,  I  have  no  money,  and  I  am  so 
far  in  debt  already,  to  both  your  uncles,  as  I  am  ashamed  to 
borrow  any  more.  I  have  disbursed  a  great  deal  of  money  for 
you,  more  than  my  estate  will  bear.  I  paid  for  your  debts  since 
you  went,  above  £30,  besides  £4.  10s.  to  Annett  and  Dixon, 
and  now  £35.  Except  you  send  commodity  to  raise  money,  I 
can  supply  you  no  further.  I  have  many  other  children  that 
are  unprovided,  and  I  see  my  life  is  uncertain.  I  marvel  at 
your  great  undertakings,  having  no  means,  and  knowing  how 


286  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

mucli  I  am  in  debt  already.  Solomon  saith,  He  who  hasteth 
to  be  rich,  shall  surely  come  to  poverty.  It  had  been  more 
wisdom  and  better  becoming  your  youth,  to  have  contained 
yourself  in  a  moderate  course,  for  your  three  years ;  and  by 
that  time,  by  your  own  gettings  and  my  help,  you  might  have 
been  able  to  have  done  somewhat.  But  this  hath  been  always 
the  fruit  of  your  vain,  overreaching  mind,  which  will  be  your 
overthrow,  if  you  attain  not  more  discretion  and  moderation 
with  your  years.  I  do  wonder  upon  what  ground  you  should 
be  led  into  so  gross  an  error  as  to  think,  that  I  could  provide 
ten  such  men  as  you  write  for,  and  disburse  a  matter  of  £200, 
(when  I  owe  more  already  than  I  am  able  to  pay,  without  sale 
of  my  land,)  and  to  do  this  at  some  two  or  three  months'  warn- 
ing. Well,  I  will  write  no  more  of  these  things.  I  pray 
God,  make  you  more  wise  and  sober,  and  bring  you  home  in 
peace  in  his  due  time.  If  I  receive  money  for  your  tobacco 
before  Mr.  Eandall  go,  I  will  send  you  something  else ;  other- 
wise you  must  be  content  to  stay  till  I  can.  [If  you  send  over 
any  more  tobacco,  take  order  it  may  be  delivered  to  me,  and  if 
you  will  have  others  to  have  shares  out  of  it,  let  me  have  the 
disposing  of  it ;  for  this  last  course  of  yours  makes  me  jealous 
of  your  intent,  as  I  can  be  no  less,  when  you  gave  me  such 
particular  directions  for  the  best  improvement  of  it,  and  yet 
underhand  appoint  another  to  dispose  of  a  good  part  of  it. 
"Well,  enough  of  this.^]  Your  brother  (as  I  wrote  to  you) 
hath  been  in  the  Levant  above  this  half  year,  and  I  look  not 
for  him  before  a  year  more.  Your  friends  here  are  all  in 
health.  Your  uncles  and  aunts  commend  them  to  you ;  but 
they  will  take  none  of  your  tobacco  ;  only  your  uncle  Tindale 
and  aunt  (whom  you  write  your  kinswoman  upon  the  outside 
of  your  tabacco)  thank  you  for  theirs.  I  sent  you,  also,  two 
boys,  (for  men  I  could  get  none,)  such  as  Capt.  Powell 
carried  over ;   but  I  knew  not  what  to  do  for  their  binding, 


1  The  passage  in  brackets  was  omitted  in  the  letter  as  contained  in  the  Appendix 
to  the  "History  of  New  England." 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  287 

being  not  able  then  either  to  walk  or  write,  and  they  being 
but  youths.  For  news,  here  is  little  but  what,  I  suppose, 
this  bearer  can  tell  you.  We  shall  have  peace  Avith  France. 
The  Dutch  have  taken  from  the  Spaniard,  in  the  West  In- 
dies, a  very  great  prize  of  silver,  gold,  etc.,  and  have  brought 
it  safe  home.  The  king  of  Bohemia,  and  his  oldest  son, 
going  aboard  to  see  it,  in  their  return  were  cast  away.  The 
king  was  saved,  but  the  prince  and  many  others  were  lost. 

"  Sir  Nathaniel  Barnardiston,  and  Sir  William  Springe,  are 
knights  of  the  parliament  for  Suffolk.  All  the  gentlemen  have 
been  long  since  set  at  liberty.  Sir  Francis  Barrington  is  at 
rest  in  the  Lord.  Sir  Henry  Mildmay,  of  Graces,  is  sheriff 
of  Essex,  and  Mr.   Gurdon  for  Suffolk. 

"I  have  staid  sending  my  letter  above  a  week  since  I 
wrote  it,  expecting  some  money  from  Capt.  Powell,  accord- 
ing to  his  promise,  that  I  might  have  sent  you  some  other 
things  ;  but  I  hear  of  none.  Therefore  I  will  end,  and  defer 
till  some  other  occasion.  So,  again,  I  commend  you  to  the 
blessing,  protection,  and  direction  of  the  Lord,  and  rest 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

•*  London,  this  80  of  January,  1628." 

We  have  next  a  delightful  letter  of  sympathy  and 
consolation  to  his  sister-ia-law,  Priscilla  Fones,  in  Lon- 
don, occasioned  by  the  protracted  illness  and  approaching 
death  of  her  husband,  Thomas  Fones.  It  was  written 
from  Groton,  whither  Winthrop  had  returned  after  his 
recovery,  and  after  finishdng  another  term  of  Court. 

John  Winthrop  to  Priscilla  Fones'. 

"  To  my  very  loving  Sister  Mrs.  Fones,  at  her  House  in  the  Old  Bai- 
ley, London. 

"My  good  Sister, — I  have  been  too  long  silent  to  you, 
considering  mine  own  consciousness  of  that  great  debt,  which 
I  owe  you  for  your  love  and  much  kindness  to  me  and  mine. 


288  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

But,  I  assure  you,  it  Is  not  through  want  of  good  will  to 
you ;  but  having  many  letters  to  write  weekly,  I  take  my  ease, 
to  include  you  in  my  brother's. 

"  I  partake  with  you  in  that  affliction,  which  it  pleaseth  the 
Lord  still  to  exercise  you  and  my  good  brother  in.  I  know 
God  hath  so  fitted  and  disposed  your  mind  to  bear  troubles, 
as  your  friends  may  take  the  less  care  for  you  in  them.  He 
shows  your  more  love,  in  enabling  you  to  bear  them  comforta- 
bly, than  you  could  apprehend  In  the  freedom  from  them.  Go 
on  cheerfully,  (my  good  sister,)  let  experience  add  more  confi- 
dence still  to  your  patience.  Peace  shall  come.  There  will  be 
a  bed  to  rest  in,  large  and  easy  enough  for  you  both.  It  is 
preparing  in  the  lodging  appointed  for  you  in  your  Father's 
house.  He  that  vouchsafed  to  wipe  the  sweat  from  his  disci- 
ples' feet,  will  not  disdain  to  wipe  the  tears  from  those  tender, 
affectionate  eyes.  Because  you  have  been  one  of  his  mourners 
in  the  house  of  tribulation,  you  shall  drink  of  the  cup  of  joy, 
and  be  clothed  with  the  garment  of  gladness,  in  the  Idngdom 
of  his  glory.  The  former  things,  and  evil,  will  soon  be  passed  ; 
but  the  good  to  Qome  shall  neither  end  nor  change.  Never 
man  saw  heaven,  but  would  have  passed  through  hell  to  come 
at  it.  Let  this  suffice  as  a  test  of  my  true  love  to  you,  and  of 
the  account  I  make  of  the  happiness  of  your  condition.  I  com- 
mend you  to  Ills  good  grace,  who  is  All-sufficient ;  and  so,  with 
my  mother's,  my  wife's,  and  mine  own  salutation  to  yourself, 
and  my  good  brother,  and  all  my  cousins,  I  rest 

"  Your  loving  brother,  "  Jo  :  Wintheop. 

"March  25,  1628.' 

"  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  your  brother,  Mr.  Bur- 
gesse. 

"  I  pray  tell  my  brother,  that  his  tenant  Gage  desires  him  to 
forbear  him  £10  till  Whitsuntide." 


1  The  date  should  plainly  have  been  1629,  of  which  year  (according  to  the  old  style) 
March  25  was  the  first  day. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  289 

And  now  we  have  a  series  of  letters,  called  forth  by  a 
strange  combination  of  domestic  events.  Thomas  Fones, 
a  brother-in-law  to  whom  Winthrop  appears  to  have  been 
strongly  attached,  died  in  London  on  the  15th  of  April, 
16*29,  Winthrop's  own  mother,  who  had  always  lived 
under  the  same  roof  with  himself,  and  for  whom  he  must 
have  had  the  deepest  affection  and  veneration,  died  at 
Groton  only  four  days  afterwards.  He  was  doubtless 
at  home  to  receive  her  farewell  blessing,  and  to  pay  his 
last  tribute  to  her  remains.  But  he  must  have  been 
obliged  to  hurry  down  to  London  immediately  afterwards, 
to  attend  the  Easter  Term  of  Court ;  and  there,  on  the 
25th  of  the  same  month,  his  son  Henry,  who  had  just 
returned  from  Barbadoes,  was  married  to  his  cousin, 
Elizabeth  Fones,  "v^dth  a  view  of  taking  her  from  her 
now  desolate  home  to  his  plantation  in  the  West  Indies. 
The  letters  written  by  Winthrop  to  his  wife,  under  these 
chcumstances,  are  full  of  the  loftiest  strain  of  rehgious 
faith  and  devotional  fervor ;  and  it  was  in  no  spirit  of 
levity,  we  may  be  assured,  that  Margaret  replies  to  one 
of  them,  "  Those  serious  thoughts  of  thine  did  make  a 
very  good  supply  instead  of  a  sermon."  The  first  letter 
was  evidently  sent  by  Henry  and  his  bride,  on  then  visit 
to  Groton,  immediately  after  their  marriage. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  good  Wife,  —  Although  I  wrote  to  thee  last  week 
by  the  carrier  of  Hadleigh,  yet,  having  so  fit  opportunity,  I 
must  needs  write  to  thee  again ;  for  I  do  esteem  one  little, 
sweet,  short  letter  of  thine  (such  as  the  last  was)  to  be  well 
worthy  two  or  three  from  me.     How  it  is  with  us,  these  bear- 

37 


290  LITE   AliH)   LETTEES 

.ers  can  inform  thee,  so  as  I  may  write  the  less.  They  were 
married  on  Saturday  last,  and  intend  to  stay  with  thee  till 
towards  the  end  of  the  term  ;  for  it  will  be  yet  six  weeks  before 
they  can  take  their  voyage.  Labor  to  keep  my  son  at  home  as 
much  as  thou  canst,  especially  from  Hadleigh.  I  began  this 
letter  to  thee  yesterday,  at  two  of  the  clock,  tliinking  to  have 
been  large,  but  was  so  taken  up  by  company  and  business,  as  I 
could  get  but  hither  by  this  morning.  It  grieves  me  that  I  have 
not  liberty  to  make  better  expression  of  my  love  to  thee,  who 
art  more  dear  to  me  than  all  earthly  things  ;  but  I  will  endea- 
vor that  my  prayers  may  supply  the  defect  of  my  pen,  which 
will  be  of  best  use  to  us  both,  inasmuch  as  the  favor  and  bless- 
ing of  our  God  is  better  than  all  things  besides.  My  trust  is 
in  his  mercy,  that,  upon  the  faith  of  his  gracious  promise,  and 
the  exj)erience  of  his  fatherly  goodness,  he  will  be  our  God 
to  the  end ,  to  carry  us  along  through  this  course  of  our  pilgrim- 
age, in  the  peace  of  a  good  conscience,  and  that,  in  the  end 
of  our  race,  we  shall  safely  arrive  at  the  haven  of  eternal  hap- 
piness. We  see  how  frail  and  vain  all  earthly  good  things  are. 
There  is  no  means  to  avoid  the  loss  of  them  in  death,  nor  the 
bitterness  which  accompanyeth  them  in  the  cares  and  troubles 
of  this  life.  Only  the  fruition  of  Jesus  Christ  and  the  hope  of 
heaven  can  give  us  true  comfort  and  rest.  The  Lord  teach  us 
wisdom  to  prepare  for  our  change,  and  to  lay  up  our  treasure 
there,  where  our  abiding  must  be  forever.  I  know  thou  lookest 
for  troubles  here,  and,  when  one  affliction  is  over,  to  meet  with 
another  ;  but  remember  what  our  Saviour  tells  us  :  Be  OF  GOOD 

COMFORT,    I    HAVE    OVERCOME    THE  WORLD.      See  his  gOodnCSS  ; 

He  hath  conquered  our  enemies  beforehand,  and,  by  faith  in 
him,  we  shall  assuredly  prevail  over  them  all.  Therefore,  (my 
sweet  wife,)  raise  up  thy  heart,  and  be  not  dismayed  at  the 
crosses  thou  meetest  with  in  family  affairs  or  otherwise  ;  but  still 
fly  to  him,  who  will  take  up  thy  burden  for  thee.  Go  thou  on 
cheerfully,  in  obedience  to  his  holy  will,  in  the  course  he  hath 
set  thee.  Peace  shall  come.  Thou  shalt  rest  as  in  thy  bed ; 
and,  in  the  mean  time,  he  will  not  fail  nor  forsake  thee.     But 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  291 

my  time  is  past ;  I  must  leave  thee.  So  I  commend  thee  and 
all  thine  to  the  gracious  protection  and  blessing  of  the  Lord. 
All  our  friends  here  salute  thee  ;  salute  thou  ours  from  me. 
Farewell,  my  good  Avife.  I  kiss  and  love  thee  with  the  kindest 
affection,  and  rest 

" Thy  faithful  husband,  "Jo.  Wintheop. 

"  April  28,  1629. 

"  Let  John  Bluet  ^  be  satisfied  for  his  horse." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  My  good  Wife,  — I  wrote  to  thee  by  my  Sonne,  &  there- 
fore will  take  lib'^^  to  be  briefe  now,  havinge  many  other  Lettres 
to  write,  &  verye  little  leisure.  Blessed  be  the  Lorde  o''  good 
God  that  in  this  tyme  of  o""  absence  from  each  other,  we  may 
yet  heare  of  one  anothers  welfare,  &  have  comfort  in  o''  mu- 
tual! love,  w'^''  through  his  grace  is  so  setled,  as  neither  tyme 
nor  absence  can  alter  or  deminishe  :  O"^  freinds  heere  are'  in 
reasonable  health  (I  prayse  God) ,  &  desire  to  be  kindly  re- 
membred  to  thee  :  my  sister  Downinge  will  expect  Mary  Morten 
this  next  weeke  ;  she  may  come  up  by  Colchester  wagon  verye 
well.  I  will  take  a  tyme  to  conferre  with  my  sister  Downing 
about  thy  clothes  ;  she  weares  no  mouminge  apparrell,  but  I 
&  my  man  are  in  it.  I  praye  thee  send  to  Cambridge  so 
soone  as  may  be.  Comende  my  love  &  blessinge  to  my  son  & 
daughter  :  I  thanke  thee  for  thy  readynesse  to  entertain  them, 
but  I  would  not  have  thee  to  make  them  over  great  a  charge. 
Tell  liim  that  Mr.  Gurdon  desires  to  coinende  a  man  to  him  for 
his  plantatio,  whoom  I  would  have  him  to  entertaine,  for  it 
seemes  he  is  honest  &  trustye,  &  fitt  to  doe  service,  &  such  he 
shall  have  neede  of:  let  him  speake  with  M*"  Gurdon  about 
him. 

"Let  John  Samford  speake  w*^  Milburne,  &  tell  him  that  he 
hath  a  brother,  who  should  hire  a  mill  of  S""  Hen  :  Mildmay  at 


i  He  was,  two  years  before,  steward  of  the  manor  of  Groton,  of  which  "Winthrop 
■was  lord. 


292  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

56'''  per  an.,  who  offers  S'"  Henrj,  that  his  brother  of  o""  towne 
shall  be  bounde  w*''  him  for  his  rent ;  knowe  of  Milburne  if 
he  be  willinge  to  be  bound  for  his  brother  &  lett  me  knowe  his 
answeare  by  thy  next  Lettre,  that  I  may  certifye  S""  Henry 
of  it. 

"  There  is  a  boxe  to  come  downe  by  the  carrier  w***  some 
thinges  for  my  sonne  &  daughter. 

"  Sende  these  Lettres  inclosed,  as  they  are  directed,  speedy- 
lye. 

"Heere  is  litle  newes  ;  that  w*''^  is,  my  neighbo'"  Newton  will 
acquainte  you  w**^.  Coinende  my  love  to  all  o""  freinds,  M"" 
Leigh  &  his  wife,  brother  &  sister  Gostlinge  &  all  the  rest.  So 
w"^  my  heartiest  salutations  to  thy  sweet  selfe,  my  love  &  bless- 
inge  to  all  o'  children,  I  comende  thee  &  them  to  the  gratious 
protection  &  blessinge  of  o'  heavenly  Father,  so  I  kisse  thee  & 
wish  thee  Farewell. 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"  May  1 :  1629. 

"If  Mary  come  up  by  the  wagon,  she  may  have  a  porter  to 
carrye  her  thinges  &  to  direct  her  to  my  brother  Downinges." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 
"  For  my  very  loving  Husband,  John  Winthrop,  Esq.,  these  deKver. 

"Most  loving  and  good  Husband, — I  have  received 
your  letters.  The  true  tokens  of  your  love  and  care  of  my 
good,  now  in  your  absence,  as  well  as  when  you  are  present, 
make  me  think  that  saying  false.  Out  of  sight  out  of  mind.  I 
am  sure  my  heart  and  thoughts  are  always  near  you,  to  do  you 
good  and  not  evil  all  the  days  of  my  life. 

"I  hope,  through  God's  blessing,  your  pains  will  not  be  alto- 
gether lost,  'which  you  bestow  upon  me  in  writing.  Those 
serious  thoughts  of  your  own,  which  you  sent  me,  did  make 
a  very  good  supply  instead  of  a  sermon.  I  shall  often  read 
them,   and  desire  to  be  of   God's  family,  to  whom  so    many 


OF  JOIIN   WINTHROP.  293 

blessings  belong,  and  pray  that  I  may  not  be  one  sepa- 
rated from  God,  whose  conscience  is  always  accusing  them. 
I  shall  not  need  to  write  to  you  of  any  thing-  this  week. 
My  son  and  brother  Gostling  can  tell  you  how  we  are.  And 
I  shall  think  long  for  your  coming  home.  And  thus,  with  my 
best  love  to  you,  I  beseech  the  Lord  to  send  us  a  comfortable 
meeting  in  his  good  time.  I  commit  you  to  the  Lord. 
"  Your  loving  and  obedient  wife, 

"IVL^RGARET   WUSTTHROP." 

John  Wintlirop  to  his  Wife. 
[Fragment.] 

"  The  largeness  and  truth  of  my  love  to  thee  makes  me  al- 
ways mindful  of  thy  welfare,  and  sets  me  on  work  to  begin  to 
write  before  I  hear  from  thee.  The  very  thought  of  thee 
affords  me  many  a  kind  refreshing  :  'What  will  then  the  enjoy- 
ing of  thy  sweet  society,  which  I  prize  above  all  worldly  com- 
forts ? 

"Yet,  such  is  the  folly  and  misery  of  man,  as  he  is  easily 
brought  to  contemn  the  true  good  he  enjoys,  and  to  neglect 
the  best  things,  which  he  holds  only  in  hope,  and  both  upon  an 
ungrounded  desire  of  some  seeming  good,  which  he  promiseth 
to  himself.  And  if  it  be  thus  with  us,  that  are  Christians,  who 
have  a  sure  word  to  direct  us,  and  the  holy  faith  to  live  by, 
what  is  the  madness  and  bondage  of  those  who  are  out  of 
Christ  ?  Oh  !  the  riches  of  Christ !  Oh  !  the  sweetness  of  the 
word  of  grace  !  It  ravisheth  my  soul  in  the  thought  hereof,  so 
as,  when  I  apprehend  but  a  glimpse  of  the  dignity  and  felicity 
of  a  Christian,  I  can  hardly  persuade  my  heart  to  hope  for  so 
great  happiness.  Let  men  talk  what  they  will  of  riches, 
honors,  pleasures,  etc.  ;  let  iis  have  Christ  crucified,  and  let 
them  take  all  besides.  For,  indeed,  he  who  hath  Christ,  hath 
all  things  with  him ;  for  he  enjoy eth  an  all-sufficiency,  which 
makes  him  abundantly  rich  in  poverty,  honorable  in  the  low- 
est abasements,  full  of  joy  and  consolation  in  the  sharpest 
afflictions,   living  in  death,   and  possessing  eternity  in  this  vale 


294  LITE    AJSTD   LETTERS  \ 

of  miserj.  Therefore  bless  we  God  for  his  free  and  infinite 
mercy,  in  bestowing  Christ  upon  us.  Let  us  entertain  and 
love  him  with  our  whole  hearts ;  let  us  trust  in  him,  and  cleave 
to  him  with  denial  of  ourselves,  and  all  things  besides,  and 
account  our  portion  the  best  in  the  world ;  that  so,  being 
strengthened  and  comforted  in  his  love,  we  may  put  forth  our- 
selves to  improve  our  life  and  means  to  do  him  service.  There 
are  very  few  hours  left  of  this  day  of  our  labor  :  then  comes 
the  night,  when  we  shall  take  our  rest.  In  the  morning  we 
shall  awake  unto  glory  and  immortality,  when  we  shall  have  no 
more  work  to  do  ;  no  more  pains  or  grief  to  endure  ;  no  more 
care,  fear,  want,  reproach,  or  infirmity ;  no  more  sin,  corrup- 
tion, or  temptation. 

"I  am  forced  to  patch  up  my  letters,  here  a  piece  and  there 
another.  I  have  now  received  thine,  the  kindly  fruits  of  thy 
most  sweet  affections.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  for  the  welfare  of 
thyself  and  all  our  family. 

"  I  received  letters  from  my  two  sons  with  thee.  Remember 
my  love  and  blessing  to  them,  and  to  my  daughter  Winthrop, 
for  whose  safety  I  give  the  Lord  thanks.  I  have  so  many  let- 
ters to  write,  as  I  cannot  write  to  them  now.  Our  friends  here 
are  in  reasonable  health,  and  desire  to  be  kindly  remembered  to 
you  all.  Commend  me  to  all  my  good  friends,  my  loving 
neighbors  goodman  Cole  and  his  wife,  to  whom  we  are  always 
much  beholden.  I  will  remember  M her  gown  and  petti- 
coat, and  the  children's  girdles.  So,  with  my  most  affectionate 
desires  of  thy  welfare,  and  my  blessing  to  all  our  children,  I 
kiss  my  sweet  wife,  and  commend  thee  and  all  ours  to  the  gra- 
cious protection  of  our  heavenly  Father,  and  rest 
"  Thy  faithful  husband, 
"  still  present  with  thee  in  his  most  unkind  absence, 

"Jo.  Winthrop. 

"May  8,  1629.- 

"  I  am  sorry  for  my  neighbor  Bluet's  horse  ;  but  he  shall 
lose  nothing  by  him.  Tell  my  son  Henry  I  will  pay  the  money 
he  writes  of." 


OF   JOILN   WINTIIEOP.  295 


Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 
"  To  my  very  loving  Husband  John  Winthrop  these  deliver. 

"  My  sweet  Husband,  —  I  rejoice  in  the  expectation  of  our 
happy  meeting ;  for  thy  absence  hath  been  very  long  in  my 
conceit,  and  thy  presence  much  desired.  Thy  welcome  is  al- 
ways ready  ;  make  haste  to  entertain  it. 

"  I  was  yesterday  at  a  meeting  at  goodman  Cole's  upon  the 
going  of  the  young  folk  to  Dedham,  where  many  thanks  were 
given  to  God  for  the  reformation  of  the  young  man,  and  amend- 
ment of  his  life.  We  had  also  a  part  in  their  prayers.  My 
dear  husband,  I  will  now  leave  writing  to  thee,  hoping  to  see 
thee  shortly.  The  good  Lord  send  us  a  comfortable  meeting. 
And  thus,  -with  my  due  respect  to  thyself,  brother  and  sister 
D.,  sister  Fanny, ^  son  John,  and  the  rest.  My  daughter  re- 
members her  duty  to  you  all ;  thinks  long  for  her  husband.  I 
received  the  things  you  sent,  and  thank  you  heartily  for  them. 
I  will  take  order  with  my  man  to  buy  some  trimming  for  my 
gown.  And  so  I  bid  my  good  husband  farewell,  and  commit 
him  to  the  Lord. 

"  Your  lo\ang  and  obedient  wife, 

"Maegaeet  Winthrop. 

"  I  pray  buy  a  Psalter  for  Deane.     I  can  get  none  here." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  My  good  Wife,  —  I  prayse  the  Lord  for  the  wished 
newes  of  thy  welfare  &  of  the  rest  of  our  companye,  &  for  the 
continuance  of  ours  heer  :  it  is  a  great  favour,  that  we  may 
enjoye  so  much  comfort  &  peace  in  these  so  evill  &  declining 
tymes,  &  when  the  increasinge  of  our  sinnes  gives  us   so  great 

1  Mr.  Savage  suggests  that  this  name  may  have  been  inaccurately  copied  from  the 
original.  It  was  undoubtedly  written  Fones.  I  have  more  difficulty  about  the  "  son 
John,"  as  he  did  not  return  from  his  tour  in  the  East  until  August. 


296  LIFE   ANB   LETTEES 

cause  to  looke  for  some  heavye  scourge  &  Judgment  to  be 
cominge  upon  us  :  The  Lorde  hath  admonished,  threatened, 
corrected,  &  astonished  us,  yet  we  growe  worse  &  worse,  so  as 
his  Spirit  will  not  allwajes  strive  with  us,  he  must  needs  give 
waye  to  his  furye  at  last :  He  hath  smitten  all  the  other  Churches 
before  our  eyes,  &  hath  made  them  to  drinke  of  the  bitter 
cuppe  of  tribulatio,  even  unto  death.  We  sawe  this,  &  hum- 
bled not  ourselves,  to  turne  from  our  evill  wayes,  but  have 
provoked  him  more  than  all  the  nations  rounde  about  us  : 
therefore  he  is  turnlnge  the  Cuppe  towards  us  also,  &  because 
we  are  the  last,  our  portion  must  be,  to  drinke  the  verye  dreggs 
which  remalne  :  My  dear  wife,  I  am  veryly  persuaded,  God 
will  bringe  some  heavye  Affliction  upon  this  lande,  &  that 
speedy  lye  :  but  be  of  good  comfort,  the  hardest  that  can  come 
shall  be  a  meanes  to  mortifie  this  bodye  of  corruption,  which  is 
a  thousand  tymes  more  dangerous  to  us  then  any  outward  tri- 
bulation, &  to  bring  us  into  nearer  cornunlon  with  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  &  more  assurance  of  his  kingdome.  If  the 
Lord  seeth  it  wilbe  good  for  us,  he  will  provide  a  shelter  &  a 
hidlnge  place  for  us  &  others,  as  a  Zoar  for  Lott,  Sarephtah 
for  his  prophet,  &c  :  if  not,  yet  he  will  not  forsake  us  :  though 
he  correct  us  with  the  roddes  of  men,  yet  if  he  take  not  his 
mercye  &  lovlnge  kiridnesse  from  us  we  shalbe  safe.  He  onely 
is  allsufficlent ;  if  we  have  him,  we  have  all  things  ;  if  he  seeth 
it  not  good  to  cutt  our  portion.  In  these  thinges  belowe,  equall 
to  the  largenesse  of  our  desires,  yet  if  he  please  to  frame 
our  mindes  to  the  portion  he  allotts  us,  it  wilbe  as  well 
for  us. 

"  I  thanke  thee  for  thy  kinde  letter.     I  am  going  to  West- 
minster, &  must  heere  breake  off.     I  would  have  my  sonne 

H to  be  heere  on  teusdaye  that  I  may  goe  out  of  towne  on 

Wensdaye  or  thursdaye  next.  If  Marye  her  gowne  be  made  I 
will  send  it  downe  by  Smith  this  weeke,  or  els  next,  with  other 
thinges  :  all  our  frelnds  heer  are  indifferent  well,  &  desire  to  be 
coinended  to  thee,  so  with  my  hearty  salut^  to  all  our  frelnds 
with  thee,  my  love  &  blesslnge  to  my  sonnes  &  daughters.  In 


OF  JOIIN  ^VINTHEOP.  297 

very  much  liast,  I  ende  &  comende  thee  &  all  ours  to  the  gra- 
tious  protectio  &  blessinge  of  the  Lorde  —  so  I  kisse  my  sweet 
wife,  &  thinke  longe  till  I  see  thee  —  farewell. 

"  Thine  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"  I  thanke  thee  for  our  Turkye. 
"  May  16.  1629." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  my  verye  lovinge  wife  Mrs.  Winthrop  at  Groton  in  Suffk. 

"Thoumayest  mervaile  that  thou  haddest  no  Letter  from 
me  by  my  Sonne,  but  I  knowe  thou  wilt  not  impute  it  to  any 
deeaye  of  love,  or  neglect  of  thee ;  who  art  more  pretious  to 
me  than  any  other  thinge  in  this  worlde ;  but  the  uncertainty 
of  his  io'nye,  &  the  dislike  of  his  ill  course,  which  made  me 
estrange  my  selfe  towards  him.  I  prayse  God  I  came  safe 
hither,  &  am  in  good  health  as  all  our  friends  heere  are  (who 
desire  to  be  kindly  remembered  to  thee) .  I  hope  my  sonne 
hath  putt  awaye  his  man,  for  he  promised  he  would,  &  that  he 
would  amende  his  life  :  I  beseech  the  Lorde  to  give  him  grace 
so  to  doe  ;  otherwise  he  will  soone  be  undone.  I  am  still  more 
confirmed  in  that  course  w^**  I  propounded  to  thee,  &  so  are  my 
brother  &  Sister  D  :  the  good  Lo  :  direct  &  blesse  us  in  it. 

"I  received  a  lettre  from  fforthes  Tutor,  wherein  he  com- 
playnes  of  his  longer  absence,  w'=''  he  findes  doth  him  much 
hurte  both  in  his  Jearninge  &  manners,  &  wisheth  me  to  sende 
him  speedy  lie,  for  he  sayth  he  hath  provided  him  a  chamber  in 
the  Colledge.  I  praye  thee  speake  with  him,  &  doe  as  may  be 
fittest,  for  if  he  intendes  not  the  ministerye,  I  have  no  great 
minde  to  sende  him  any  more  ;  if  he  doth,  let  him  goe  so  soone 
as  he  can.  ■*!  have  now  received  thy  sweet  lettre,  w*^*^  I  hearty ly 
thanke  thee  for,  &  doe  with  all  thankfullnesse  acknowledo-e  the 
goodnesse  of  the  Lord  towards  us  in  his  blessinge  upon  thee  & 
all  ours,  which  I  shall  labour  the  continuance  of  to  the  best  of 
my  power,  &  so  farr  as  my  poore  prayers  can  give  furtherance. 
I  am  sorye  I  cannot  ivi'ite  to  thee  as  I  desire,  but  thou  wilt 

38 


298  LITE   AND   LETTEES 

beare  with  me  the  rather  for  that  I  thinke  my  Office  is  gone,  so 
as  I  shall  not  wronge  thee  so  much  with  my  absence  as  I  have 
done.  I  will  send  thee  some  pepper  in  my  sonnes  boxe,  &  so 
with  my  blessinge  to  my  sonnes  &  daughters,  salutations  to 
all  our  good  friendes,  &  my  most  intire  Aifections  to  thy  selfe, 
I  comend  thee  to  the  grace  &  blessinge  of  the  Lord  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"Thou  shalt  receive  in  the  boxe  a  book  of  the  newes  this 
weeke. 

"  My  sister  fFones  &  her  children  will  be  with  thee  after  the 
Terme. 

"June  5.  1629. 

"  Sende  me  no  linnen  for  I  have  enough  heere." 


Joh7i  Winthrop)  to  his  Wife. 

"My  GOOD  Wife, — I  received  thy  most  kinde  Lettre.  I 
blesse  the  Lord  for  the  continuance  of  thy  wellfare  &  of  all  o'" 
family.  Thou  desirest  an  excuse  for  thy  brevitye ;  thou  shalt 
need  no  other  then  this,  that  I  am  forced  to  the  like  :  but  such 
Apologies  are  needlesse  between  us,  where  there  is  so  good 
assurance  of  the  trueth  of  each  others  love  :  I  blesse  God  for 
thee  allwayes,  in  that  sweet  comfort  &  content  I  have  in  thee  ; 
but  I  must  breake  off  these  discourses,  though  I  delight  much 
in  them.  , 

"My  sonnes  man  is  come  up,  but  I  knowe  not  upon  what 
termes,  for  nobodye  writes  a  word  about  him.  fforth  may  goe 
to  Camb  :  now  or  at  my  returne,  for  all  will  be  one,  if  he 
meanes  not  to  continue  there.  My  Sonne  Henry  must  come 
up  before  the  ende  of  the  terme,  for  he  can  doe  nothinge  out  of 
terme,  but  his  wife  needs  not  come. 

"The  gent  who  were  in  prison,  are  like  to  be  delivered,  & 
some  of  them  have  lib^^^  already  to  goe  abroade.  O'  freinds 
heere  are  all  well,  God  be  thanked,  onely  my  sister  ffones  is 
much  troubled  w^''  the  toothach,  they  all  desire  to  be  coinended 


OF  JOHN  \YINTHROP.  299 

to  thee.  So  w"*  my  true  love  to  thy  sweet  selfe,  my  blessing 
to  all  o""  children,  &  saluf**  to  all  o""  freinds,  I  coinende  thee  to 
the  Lord  &  rest  in  hast  "  Thy  faithful  husband 

"  Jo  :    WiNTHROP. 

"ffor  Whales,  he  hath  so  often  broke  promise  w*"^  me,  as  I 
will  trust  him  no  more. 
"Juj<E  12.  1629." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 
"  To  hir  very  lovinge  Husban  John  Winthi-ope  Esq'  these  dd. 
"My  deare  Husband,  — Havinge  so  fit  opertunity  I  cannot 
omit  it,  but  rite  a  word  or  two  to  thee  that  you  may  understand 
of  om-  healths.  I  prayse  God  we  are  all  well,  and  I  think  very 
longe  for  y*""  retm-ne  home.  I  hope  to  hear  this  weeke  when 
you  will  come  home.  I  have  received  y*"'  sweet  letter,  and 
thanke  thee  for  it.  My  sonne  will  be  at  London  before  the  end 
of  the  terme  :  he  and  his  wife  purpose  to  goe  to  my  brothers 
Tyndall  some  time  this  weeke  and  I  thinke  he  will  goe  from 
thence  to  London.  I  may  chance  to  goe  alonge  with  them,  my 
daughter  beinge  a  stranger  thear  :  if  I  go  I  shall  not  right  ainy 
more  this  weeke  without  I  can  send  from  thence.  Thou  seast 
how  bold  I  am  to  take  leave  to  goe  abrode  in  thy  abcence,  but 
I  presume  upon  thy  love  and  concent,  or  elce  I  wolde  not  doe 
it.  I  hope  I  shall  take  order  that  all  thinges  shalbe  wel  looked 
to  for  the  time  I  stay.  I  will  not  trouble  thee  with  relatinge 
any  thinge  to  thee,  but  leave  all  maters  till  I  see  thee.  I  loth 
to  be  thus  short  in  righ tinge  to  thee,  but  that  it  is  night  and  I 
must  send  awaye  my  letter,  and  part  with  my  beloved  and  good 
Husban,  and  have  nothinge  but  my  best  love  and  all  due 
respect  to  send  him  which  my  pen  can  not  exprese  or  my  tounge 
utter,  but  I  will  endevor  to  shew  it  as  well  as  I  can  to  thee,  and 
to  all  that  love  thee.  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  brother 
and  sister  Downinge,  sister  Fones.  I  hope  I  shall  see  them  all 
heare  this  sommer,  and  thus  I  must  leave  thee  and  bid  my  sweet 
Husban  good  night  and  commit  him  to  God. 
"  Your  faythful  and  obedient  wife 

"Margaret  Winthrope. 


300  LIFE  AND  LETTEES 

"  Our  sonnes  and  daughters  remember  thear  duty.  I  will 
not  right  any  thing  now  about  my  sonnes  man,  haveinge  no 
tyme.  You  shall  know  when  you  come  home.  I  thinke  my 
son  Forth  will  goe  to  Cambridge  this  weeke  and  talke  with  his 
tuter  but  I  thinke  he  is  resoulved  to  be  no  longer  thear." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"To  his  verye  lovinge  wife  M""'  Winthrop  at  lier  house  in  Groton, 

Suffk. 

"My  good  Wife, — I  received  thy  most  kinde  Lettre,  & 
doe  prayse  God  for  the  good  newes  of  thy  wellfare  &  of  all  our 
familye  :  which  I  beseech  him  in  mercye  to  continue  &  blesse 
unto  us.  I  like  well  of  thy  iournye  to  Maplested,  for  thou 
hadst  need  of  some  refreshinge  among  thy  many  cares  &  trou- 
bles. Our  best  comfort  is,  we  shall  rest  in  heaven.  I  cannot 
write  much  to  thee  for  I  am  going  to  Westminster  :  neither  can 
tell  thee  when  I  shall  come  home,  but  my  love  towards  thee 
will  hasten  mee.  Our  friendes  heere  are  in  health,  yet  my  sister 
fFones  is  not  well.  They  desire  to  be  rememb  :  to  thee.  So  in 
much  hast  with  my  love  &  blessing  to  my  children,  saluf^^  to 
all  our  good  friendes  &  my  best  Affections  to  thy  selfe,  I  com- 
ende  thee  to  the  blessinge  &  protection  of  the  Lord  &  so  I  kisse 
my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfuU  husbande,        "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 
"June  17.  1629. 

"  Let  this  lettre  inclosed  be  delivered  into  Mr.  Motts  owne 
hands." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  his  very  loving  Wife,  Mrs.  Winthrop,  at  her  House  in  Groton. 

"My  good  Wipe,  —  I  wrote  to  thee  this  week  by  Roger 
Mather,  but  shall  expect  no  other  letter  from  thee,  because  of 
thy  journey  to  Maplested,  from  whence  I  hope  thou  art  safely 
returned.  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  our  good  God,  who  watcheth 
over  us  in  aU  our  ways  to  do  us  good,  and  to  comfort  us  with 


OF  JOHN  WINTHEOP.  301 

his  manifold  blessings,  not  taking  occasion  by  our  sins  to  punish 
us  as  we  deserve.  Through  his  mercy  it  is,  that  I  continue  in 
health,  and  that,  to  my  great  joy,  I  hear  well  of  thee  and  our 
family.  The  Lord  teach  us  the  right  use  of  all  his  blessings, 
and  so  temper  our  affections  towards  the  good  things  of  this 
life,  as  our  greatest  joy  may  be,  that  our  names  are  in  the 
book  of  life,  that  we  have  the  good  will  of  our  heavenly 
Father,  that  Christ  Jesus  is  ours,  and  that  by  him  we  have 
right  to  all  things.  Then,  come  what  will,  we  may  have  joy 
and  confidence. 

"My  sweet  wife,  I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  now  appoint  the 
time,  that  I  hope  to  return,  which  cannot  be  the  next  week ; 
though,  it  is  like,  my  sister  Fones,  or  some  of  her  company, 
will  come  down  then ;  but  you  shall  hear  more  the  beginning 
of  next  week. 

"  For  news  I  have  but  one  to  write  of,  but  that  will  be  more 
welcome  to  thee  than  a  great  deal  of  other.  My  office  is  gone, 
and  my  chamber,  and  I  shall  be  a  saver  in  them  both.  So,  as 
I  hope,  we  shall  now  enjoy  each  other  again,  as  we  desire. 
The  Lord  teach  us  to  improve  our  time  and  society  to  more  use 
for  our  mutual  comfort,  and  the  good  of  our  family,  etc.,  than 
before.  It  is  now  bed  time  ;  but  I  must  lie  alone ;  therefore 
I  make  less  haste.  Yet  I  must  kiss  my  sweet  wife ;  and  so, 
with  my  blessing  to  our  children,  and  salutation  to  all  our 
friends,  I  commend  thee  to  the  grace  and  blessing  of  the  Lord, 
and  rest,  "  Thy  faithful  husband,         "  Jo.  Winthkop. 

"My  brother  D.  and  sister,  and  sister  F.  commend  them  to 
thee." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"My  good  Wife, — Blessed  be  the  Lord  o""  God  for  his 
great  mercye  still  continued  to  us  &  o".  O  that  we  could 
consider  aright  of  his  kindnesse,  that  we  might  knowe  o*"  hap- 
pinesse  in  being  the  children  of  such  a  father,  &  so  tenderly 
beloved  of  the  All  sufficient,  but  we  must  needs  complaine. 
Oh  this  flesh,  this  fraile  sinfull  flesh,  that  obscures  the  beauty 


302  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

&  brlghtnesse  of  so  great  glorye  &  goodnesse  !  I  thanke  thee 
for  thy  most  kinde  &  sweet  Lettre,  the  stampe  of  that  amiable 
affection  of  a  most  lovinge  wife  :  I  assure  thee,  thy  labour  of 
love  (tho'  it  be  very  great)  shall  not  be  lost,  so  far  as  the 
prayers  &  endeavours  of  a  faithfull  husbande  can  tende  to 
requitall.  But  I  must  limitt  the  length  of  my  desires  to  the 
shortnesse  of  my  ley  sure,  otherwise  I  should  not  knowe  when 
to  ende.  I  trust,  in  the  Lorde,  the  tyme  of  o""  wished  meetinge 
wilbe  shortly,  but  my  occasions  are  such  as  thou  must  have 
pacience  till  the  ende  of  next  weeke,  thoughe  I  shall  strive  to 
shorten  it,  if  possible  I  maye  :  and  after  that,  I  hope,  we  shall 
never  parte  so  longe  againe,  till  we  parte  for  a  better  meetinge 
in  heaven.  But  where  we  shall  spende  the  rest  of  o""  short  tyme 
I  knowe  not :  the  Lorde,  I  trust,  will  direct  us  in  mercy e  ;  my 
comfort  is  that  thou  art  willinge  to  be  my  companion  in  what 
place  or  conditio  soevere,  in  weale  or  in  woe.  Be  it  what  it 
may,  if  God  be  w*^  us,  we  need  not  feare ;  his  favour,  &  the 
kingdome  of  heaven  wilbe  alike  &  happinesse  enough  to  us  & 
o^^  in  all  places,  [forn,]  is  in  London,  but  I  have  seen  him  but 
twice,  I  knowe  not  what  he  doth  nor  what  he  intendeth,  I 
mourne  for  his  sinnes  &  the  miserye  that  he  will  soone  bringe 
upon  himselfe  &  his  wife.  Our  freinds  here  are  all  in  health 
(God  be  praysed)  &  desire  to  be  coinended  to  thee,  so  w*"^  my 
love  &  blessinge  to  o""  children,  salutatio  to  all  o^  freinds,  my 
brother  &  sister  Gostlin  &c,  I  coinende  thee  to  the  good  Lorde 
&,  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Wintheop. 

"JvNE  22.  1629. 

"  Send  me  no  horses  except  I  send  for  them." 


John  Winthrop  to  Ms  Wife. 

"  To  his  verye  lOvinge  Wife,  M"  Winthrop  the  elder  at  her  house  in 
Groton  in  Suffolk. 

"My  good  Wife, — I  received  thy  kinde  Lettre,  &  doe 
blesse  our  good  God  that  I  heare  of  thy  wellfare  &  of  all  o' 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  303 

familye ;  myselfe  am  likewise  In  health  (I  prayse  the  Lorde)  «&; 
hope  to  be  w*'»  thee  shortly,  with  my  sister  fFones  &  all  her  com- 
pany :  We  intend  (God  wilUnge)  to  sett  forth  of  London  on 
Wenesdaye  next,  &  so  to  be  at  Groton  on  thursdaye.  The 
Lorde  directe  &  prosper  all  o""  iorneye.  I  am  so  streightened  In 
tyme  as  I  can  write  no  more,  but  must  leave  the  rest  to  be  sup- 
plied when  I  come  ;  the  good  Lorde  &  o"^  most  mercifull  father 
blesse  &  keepe  thee  &  all  o".  So  with  the  kinde  salutations  of 
all  o'  freinds  heer  to  thee,  &  mine  owne  to  all  o*"  freinds  w*^ 
thee,  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband         "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 
"June  26.  1629. 

"Let  this  lettre  inclosed  be  delivered  into  his  owne  hands." 


It  will  be  observed,  that,  in  the  letter  of  June  5,  Win- 
throp says  to  his  wife,  "  I  thinke  my  Office  is  gone ; " 
and  that,  in  a  subsequent  letter  (without  date),  he  tells 
her  distinctly,  "  My  Office  is  gone  &  my  chamber  both." 
We  know  not  the  circumstances  mider  which  he  ceased 
to  be  an  Attorney  of  the  Court  of  Wards.  His  oppo- 
sition to  the  coui-se  of  the  Government  at  this  period, 
and  his  manifest  sympathy  with  those  who  were  suffering 
under  its  unjust  exactions  and  proscriptions,  may  have 
cost  him  his  place.  Or  he  may  have  resigned  it  volun- 
tarily, in  view  of  the  new  plans  of  life,  which  more  than 
one  of  his  letters  would  seem  to  indicate  that  he  was  con- 
templatmg.  It  is  evident  that  he  felt  that  a  crisis  was  at 
hand  hi  the  condition  of  England,  and  that  he  was 
anticipating  a  personal  share  in  the  sufferings  to  which 
the  friends  of  civil  and  religious  freedom  were  about  to 
be  subjected.  When  he  says  to  his  wife,  in  the  last 
letter  but  one,  "  Where  we  shall  spend  the  rest  of  our 


304  LIFE   AND    LETTERS 

short  time  I  know  not,  —  my  comfort  is  that  thou  art 
willing  to  be  my  companion  in  what  place  or  condition 
soever," — we  seem  to  find  the  first  foreshadowing  of  the 
great  decision  which  will  be  developed  in  our  next  chapter. 

The  present  chapter  may  be  concluded,  like  the  last, 
with  a  little  scrap  from  the  private  "  Experiences  ;"  which 
corresponds  exactly  to  the  period  we  have  reached. 

"  July  28  :  1629.  My  Bro  :  Downing  &  myselfe  ridinge 
into  Lincolnshire  by  Ely,  my  horse  fell  under  me  in  a  bogge  in 
the  fennes,  so  as  I  was  allmost  to  the  waiste  in  water ;  but  the 
Lorde  preserved  me  fi-om  further  danger.     Blessed  be  his  name." 

New  England  may  well  say  Amen  to  this  blessing. 
That  ride  to  Lincolnshhe  was  on  an  eventful  errand. 
Beyond  a  question,  Winthrop  and  Downing  were  on 
their  way  to  Sempringham  to  visit  Isaac  Johnson,  arid 
consult  with  him  about  the  great  Massachusetts  enter- 
prise. There  is  a  letter  from  Johnson  to  Downing, 
found  among  Winthrop's  papers,^  dated  just  twenty  days 
before,  inviting  them  to  do  so.  The  Lady  Arbella  was 
doubtless  at  home  to  administer  the  hospitalities  ;  and 
Winthrop  may  have  promised  her,  in  some  playful  com- 
pliment, that,  if  she  would  be  of  the  party,  the  ship 
should  bear  her  name.  But  the  interview  was  almost 
too  serious  for  compliments  of  any  sort ;  and  we  are 
anticipatmg  events  which  belong  to  a  later  page. 

1  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  4th  series,  vol.  vi.  p.  29. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHKOP.  305 


CHAPTEH   XVI. 

WINTHROP  DECroES  FOR  NEW  ENGLAND.   HIS  SON'S  LETTER  APPROV- 
ING THE  DECISION.    THE  CONSIDERATIONS  AND  CONCLUSIONS. 

We  have  at  length  reached  the  period  of  a  decision, 
which  has  made  the  Hfe  of  John  Winthrop  a  part  of 
the  pubhc  history  of  New  England  an^  of  America. 
We  devoted  the  last  chapter  to  the  changes  which  had 
occurred  in  his  domestic  chcumstances  and  condition 
d\u*ing  the  absence  of  his  eldest  son  in  the  East,  and  to 
the  correspondence  which  relates  to  that  period.  These 
changes  had  undoubtedly  co-operated  with  other  and 
more  public  considerations  in  preparing  his  mind  for 
the  great  step  which  he  had  now  resolved  upon,  and 
which  was  announced  to  the  younger  Wmthrop,  by  a 
letter  from  Groton,  immediately  on  his  arrival  in  London. 
Unhappily,  this  letter  is  missing  from  the  family  file, 
and  cannot  be  recovered.  No  doubt,  it  explained  the 
reasons  why  the  father  could  not  hasten  in  person  to 
London,  to  welcome  his  son  home  again  after  so  long  an 
absence.  No  doubt,  it  told  him  of  the  momentous 
meeting  which  was  to  take  place  at  Cambridge  a  few 
days  aftei-wards,  and  from  which  nothing  could  excuse 
him  for  staging  away.  No  doubt,  it  gave  him  a  summary 
sketch  of  the  original  springs  and  motives  of  his  determi- 
nation to  quit  his  native  land,  and  to  become  the  leader 
of  the  great  emigration  to  the  New  World. 


306  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

Most  fortunately,  the  son's  reply  has  been  preserved ; 
and  the  beauty  of  its  style  and  thought  is  only  surpassed 
by  the  importance  of  its  substance.  It  is  a  memorable 
letter  in  New-England  history.  It  is  certainly  a  memo- 
rable letter  in  the  correspondence  of  those  between 
whom  it  passed.  Fresh  from  a  protracted  pilgrimage  in 
distant  lands,  the  younger  Winthrop  condenses  into  a 
single  sentence  the  whole  philosophy  of  his  travels.  In 
another  sentence,  he  expresses  his  confident  belief  that 
the  whole  disposition  of  the  business  in  hand  is  "  of  the 
Lord ;  "  and,  in  a  third,  he  dedicates  himself  unreserved- 
ly to  the  work,  with  an  earnestness  and  a  solemnity 
which  could  only  be  equalled  by  the  diligence  and  fidelity 
with  which  the  pledge  was  redeemed  in  his  subsequent 
career. 

But  the  letter  will  speak  sufln.ciently  for  itself;  and  we 
give  it  without  further  comment. 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  his  Father. 

"  Sir,  —  My  humble  duty  remembered  to  you  and  my  mo- 
ther, may  you  please  to  understand,  that  I  received  your  letters, 
that  by  William  Eidley  on  Wednesday,  and  your  other  yester- 
day, rejoicing  much  to  hear  of  your  welfare,  with  the  rest  of 
our  good  friends,  which  I  desire  much  with  my  own  eyes  to 
behold.  Therefore  I  purpose,  God  willing,  to  make  all  haste 
down  the  next  week,  hoping  to  accept  of  Mr.  Gurdon's  kind 
offer,  if  I  can. 

"For  the  business  of  New  England,  I  can  say  no  other 
thing,  but  that  I  believe  confidently,  that  the  whole  disposition 
thereof  is  of  the  Lord,  who  disposeth  all  alterations,  by  his 
blessed  will,  to  his  own  glory  and  the  good  of  his ;  and,  there- 
fore, do  assure  myself,  that  all  things  shall  wox-k  together  for 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  307 

the  best  therein.  And  for  myself,  I  have  seen  so  much  of  the 
vanity  of  the  world,  that  I  esteem  no  more  of  the  diversities 
of  countries,  than  as  so  many  inns,  whereof  the  traveller  that 
hath  lodged  in  the  best,  or  in  the  worst,  findeth  no  difference, 
when  he  cometh  to  his  journey's  end ;  and  I  shall  call  that  my 
country,  where  I  may  most  glorify  God,  and  enjoy  the  presence 
of  my  dearest  friends.  Therefore  herein  I  submit  myself  to 
God's  wall  and  yours,  and,  with  your  leave,  do  dedicate  myself 
(laying  by  all  desire  of  other  employments  whatsoever)  to  the 
service  of  God  and  the  Company  herein,  Avith  the  whole  endea- 
vors, both  of  body  and  mind. 

"The  Conclusions,  whicli  you  sent  down,  I  showed  my 
uncle  and  aunt,  who  liked  them  well.  I  think  they  are  unan- 
swerable ;  and  it  cannot  but  be  a  prosperous  action,  which  is 
so  well  allowed  by  the  judgments  of  God's  prophets,  under- 
taken by  so  religious  and  wise  worthies  of  Israel,  and  indented 
to  God's  glory  in  so  special  a  service. 

"  My  aunt  Goulding  remembereth  her  love  to  you.  She 
saith,  it  is  not  yet  discharged,  that  she  knoweth.  Here  is  cer- 
tain news,  that  the  Dutch  have  taken  Wesel.  Soj  desiring 
your  prayers  and  blessing,  I  commend  you  to  the  Almighty's 
protection,  and  rest  "Your  obedient  son, 

"John  Winthrop. 

"LoxDON,  August  21,  1629. 

"  I  pray  remember  my  love  to  my  brothers  and  sisters  and 
all  our  friends,   whom  I  hope  shortly  to  see." 

It  would  not  be  easy,  at  this  late  day,  to  identify  the 
precise  paper  which  was  enclosed  in  the  letter  of  the  el- 
der Winthrop,  and  to  which  the  son  alludes,  under  the 
title  of  "  the  Conclusions."  The  original  may  have  dis- 
appeared, and  perhaps  may  have  perished,  with  the  letter 
in  which  it  was  communicated.  Yet,  more  probably,  it 
was  returned  to  the  father's  hands,  after  it  had  been 


308  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

examined  and  considered;  and  it  may  be  among  the 
mass  of  manuscript  matter  from  which  this  Biography 
is  compiled.  There  can  be  no  doubt,  certainly,  that  we 
have  the  substance  of  it,  if  not  the  original  or  an  exact 
dupHcate,  in  one  or  both  of  the  papers  which  will  now 
be  given. 

.  And,  first,  we  have  a  paper,  a  considerable  portion  of 
which  has  been  already  published  in  Hutchuison's  "  Col- 
lection of  Original  Papers  relative  to  the  History  of  the 
Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,"  under  the  title  of  "  Gene- 
ral Considerations  for  the  Plantation  of  New  England, 
with  an  Answer  to  several  Objections."  It  will  be  ob- 
served, by  those  who  may  deske  to  institute  the  compa- 
rison, that  this  document,  as  we  now  give  it  from  a 
careful  copy  found  among  Winthrop's  papers,  differs 
essentially,  both  in  its  title  and  in  its  text,  from  the  ver- 
sion which  fell  into  the  hands  of  Hutchinson.  Not  only 
are  the  various  heads  of  the  argument  differently  ar- 
ranged, but  many  of  them  are  carried  out  into  much 
greater  detail.  One  might  doubt  whether  the  differ- 
ences were  the  result  of  an  attempt  to  amplify,  or  of  an 
attempt  to  condense,  an  original  draught ;  but  it  is  mani- 
fest that  there  was  a  common  original  for  them  both. 
As  an  authentic  cotemporary  exposition  of  the  views 
which  brought  Winthrop  and  the  whole  Massachusetts 
Company  over  to  New  England,  and  as  unquestionably 
prepared  by  himself,  it  belongs  to  his  biography  in  the 
amplest  form  in  which  it  is  found  among  his  papers. 
We  give  it  accordingly,  as  follows:  — 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  309 

"  Reasons  to  be  considered  for  mstifieinge  the  undertakcres  of  the 
intended  Plantation  in  New  JEngland,  Sf  for  incouraginge 
such  lohose  hartes  God  shall  move  to  ioyne  w'^  them  in  it. 

"1.  It  will  be  a  service  to  the  Church  of  great  consequence 
to  carry  the  Gospell  into  those  parts  of  the  world,  to  helpe  on 
the  comminge  of  the  fullnesse  of  the  Gentiles,  &  to  raise  a 
Bulworke  against  the  kingdome  of  xiuteChrlst  w'^'^  the  Jesuites 
labour  to  reare  up  in  those  parts. 

"  2.  All  other  churches  of  Europe  are  brought  to  desolation, 
&  o*"  sinnes,  for  av'^^  the  Lord  beginnes  allreaddy  to  frowne 
upon  us  &  to  cutte  us  short,  doe  threatne  evill  times  to  be  com-' 
minge  upon  us,  &  whoe  knowes,  but  that  God  hath  provided 
this  place  to  be  a  refuge  for  many  whome  he  meanes  to  save 
out  of  the  generall  callamity,  &  seeinge  the  Church  hath  noe 
place  lefte  to  flie  into  but  the  wildernesse,  what  better  worke 
can  there  be,  then  to  goe  &  provide  tabernacles  &  foode  for  her 
against  she  comes  thether : 

"  3.  This  Land  growes  weary  of  her  Inhabitants,  soe  as  man, 
whoe  is  the  most  pretious  of  all  creatures,  is  here  more  vile  & 
base  then  the  earth  we  treade  upon,  &  of  lesse  prise  among  us 
then  an  horse  or  a  sheepe  :  masters  are  forced  by  authority  to 
entertaine  servants,  parents  to  mainetaine  there  owne  children, 
all  townes  complaine  of  the  burthen  of  theire  poore,  though  we 
have  taken  up  many  unnessisarie  yea  unlawfull  trades  to  maine- 
taine them,  &  we  use  the  authoritie  of  the  Law  to  hinder  the 
increase  of  o""  people,  as  by  urginge  the  Statute  against  Cot- 
tages, &  inmates,  &  thus  it  is  come  to  passe,  that  children, 
servants  &  neighboures,  especially  if  they  be  poore,  are  compted 
the  greatest  burthens,  w'^'^  if  thinges  weare  right  would  be  the 
cheifest  earthly  blessinges. 

"  4.  The  whole  earth  is  the  Lords  garden  &  he  hath  given  it 
to  the  Sonnes  of  men  w'^  a  gen^  Coinission  :  Gen  :  1  :  28  :  in- 
creace  &  midtiplie,  &  replenish  the  earth  &  subdue  it,  w'^'^  was 
againe  renewed  to  Noah  :  the  end  is  double  &  naturall,  that 
man  might  enioy  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  &  God  might  have  his 


310  LIFE    AND    LETTEES 

due  glory  from  the  creature  :  why  then  should  we  stand  striving 
here  for  places  of  habitation,  etc,  (many  men  spending  as  much 
labour  &  coste  to  recover  or  keepe  sometimes  an  acre  or  twoe 
of  Land,  as  would  procure  them  many  &  as  good  or  better  in 
another  Countrie)  &  in  the  meane  time  suffer  a  whole  Conti- 
nent as  fruitfull  &  convenient  for  the  use  of  man  to  lie  waste 
w^^out  any  improvement? 

"5.  We  are  growne  to  that  height  of  Intemperance  in  all 
excesse  of  Riott,  as  noe  mans  estate  allmost  will  suffice  to 
keepe  saile  w"*  his  asqualls  :  &  he  whoe  failes  herein,  must  live 
In  scorne  &  contempt.  Hence  It  comes  that  all  artes  &  Trades 
are  carried  In  that  deceiptfuU  &  unrighteous  course,  as  it  is 
allmost  impossible  for  a  good  &  upright  man  to  mainetayne  his 
charge  &  live  comfortablie  in  any  of  them. 

"  6.  The  ffiountalnes  of  Learning  &  Religion  are  soe  corrupted 
as  (besides  the  unsupportable  charge  of  there  education)  most 
children  (even  the  best  wItts  &  of  fairest  hopes)  are  perverted, 
corrupted,  &  utterlle  overthrowne  by  the  multitude  of  evill 
examples  &  the  hcentious  governm*  of  those  seminaries,  where 
men  straine  at  knatts  &  swallowe  camells,  use  all  severity  for 
mainetaynance  of  cappes  &  other  accomplyments,  but  suffer  all 
ruffianlike  fashions  &  disorder  In  manners  to  passe  uncontrolled. 

"7.  What  can  be  a  better  worke,  &  more  honorable  & 
worthy  a  Christian  then  to  helpe  raise  &  supporte  a  particular 
Church  while  It  Is  in  the  Infancy,  &  to  ioyne  his  forces  w*^  such 
a  company  of  faithfull  people,  as  by  a  timely  assistance  may 
growe  stronge  &  prosper,  &  for  wante  of  It  may  be  put  to 
great  hazard.  If  not  wholly  ruined  : 

"8.  If  any  such  as  are  knowne  to  be  Godly,  &  live  In 
wealth  &  prosperity  here,  shall  forsake  all  this,  to  Ioyne  them- 
selves w*''  this  Church  &  to  runne  an  hazard  w**"  them  of  an 
hard  &  meane  condition.  It  will  be  an  example  of  great  use 
both  for  removlnge  the  scandall  of  worldly  &  sinister  respects 
w'^''  Is  cast  upon  the  Adventurers ;  to  give  more  life  to  the  faith 
of  Gods  people,  In  their  pralers  for  the  Plantation  ;  &  to  incor- 
rage  others  to  ioyne  the  more  willingly  In  It. 


OF   JOIIN   WINTUROP.  311 

"9.  It  appcares  to  be  a  worke  of  God  for  the  good  of  his 
Church,  in  that  he  hath  disposed  the  hartes  of  soe  many  of  his 
wise  &  faithfull  servants,  both  ministers  &  others,  not  onely  to 
approve  of  the  enterprise  but  to  interest  themselves  in  it,  some 
in  their  persons  &  estates,  other  by  their  serious  advise  &  helpe 
otherwise,  &  all  by  their  praiers  for  the  wealfare  of  it.  Amos 
3  :  the  Lord  revealeth  his  secreat  to  his  servants  the  prophetts, 
it  is  likely  he  hath  some  great  worke  in  hand  w'^'^  he  hath  re- 
vealed to  his  prophetts  among  us,  whom  he  hath  stirred  up  to 
encourage  his  servants  to  this  Plantation,  for  he  doth  not  use 
to  seduce  his  people  by  his  owne  prophetts,  but  coinitte  that 
office  to  the  ministrie  of  false  prophetts  &  lieing  spmtts. 

*^  Diverse  ohiections  w""  have  been  made  against  this  Plantation,  vf 
their  answears  ^  Resolutions: 

"  Ob  :  1  :  We  have  noe  warrant  to  enter  upon  that  Land 
w*^**  hath  been  soe  longe  possessed  by  others  : 

"  Ans  :  1  :  That  w*^*"  lies  coiiion,  &  hath  never  beene  reple- 
nished or  subdued,  is  free  to  any  that  possesse  &  improve  it : 
ffor  God  hath  given  to  the  sonnes  of  men  a  double  right  to  the 
earth ;  theire  is  a  naturall  right,  &  a  civill  right.  The  first 
right  was  naturall  when  men  held  the  earth  in  comon  every 
man, sowing  &  feeding  where  he  pleased  :  then  as  men  &  theire 
Cattell  encreased,  they  appropriated  certaine  parcells  of  Grounde 
by  inclosinge  &  peculiar  manuerance,  &  this  in  time  gatte  them 
a  civill  right :  such  was  the  right  w'^'^  Ephron  the  Hittite  had 
in  the  feild  of  Mackpelah  wherein  Abraham  could  not  bury  a 
dead  Corpes  w'^out  leave,  though  for  the  out  parts  of  the 
Countrie  w*^^  lay  coinon  he  dwelt  upon  them,  &  tooke  the  fruite 
of  them  at  his  pleasure  :  the  like  did  Jacob,  who  fedde  his 
Cattell  as  bouldly  in  Hamors  Land,  (for  he  is  said  to  be  Lord 
of  the  Countrie)  &  in  other  places  where  he  came,  as  the  na- 
tive Inhabitants  themselves  :  &  that  in  those  times  &  places 
men  accompted  noething  theire  owne,  but  that  w'^'^  they  had 
appropriated  by  theire  owne  industry,  appeares  plainely  by  this, 
that  Abimileckes  Servants  in  there  owne  Countrie,  when  they 


312  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

ofte  contended  w*'^  Isaackes  servants  about  welles  w°^  they  had 
digged,  yet  never  strove  for  the  Land  wherein  they  weare  : 
Soe  likewise  betweene  Jacob  &  Laban,  he  would  not  take  a 
kidde  of  Labans  w^'^out  speaciall  contracte ;  but  he  makes  noe 
bargaine  w*^  them  for  the  Land  where  they  fedde,  &  it  is  very 
probable  that  if  the  Countrie  had  not  beene  as  free  for  Jacob 
as  for  Laban,  that  covetous  wretch  would  have  made  his  advan- 
tage of  it,  &  have  upbraided  Jacob  w"^  it  as  he  did  w"^  his  Cat- 
tell  :  As  for  the  Natives  in  New  England,  they  inclose  noe 
Land,  neither  have  any  setled  habytation,  nor  any  tame  Cattle 
to  improve  the  Land  by,  &  soe  have  noe  other  but  a  Naturall 
Right  to  those  Countries.  Soe  as  if  we  leave  them  sufficient 
for  their  use,  we  may  lawfully  take  the  rest,  there  being  more 
then  enough  for  them  &  us  : 

"  2.  We  shall  come  in  w*  the  good  leave  of  the  natives 
who  finde  benifight  allreaddy  by  o''  neighbourhood,  &  learne 
from  us  to  improve  a  parte  to  more  use  then  before  they  could 
doe  the  whole  :  &  by  this  meanes  we  come  in  by  valuable  pur- 
chase, for  they  have  of  us  that  w'^'^  will  yeeld  them  more  bene- 
fight,  then  all  that  Land  w'^'^  we  have  from  them. 

"  3.  God  hath  consumed  the  Natives  w*^  a  great  Plauge  in 
those  parts,  soe  as  there  be  few  Inhabitants  lefte. 

"  Ob  :  2  :  It  will  be  a  great  wrong  to  o'^  Churche  &  Countrie 
to  take  awaye  the  good  people,  &  we  shall  lay  it  the  more  open 
to  the  Judgm*  feared. 

"  Ans  :  1  :  The  departinge  of  good  people  from  a  Countrie 
doe  not  cause  a  Judgment  but  forshew*^  it,  w^^  may  occasion 
such  as  remaine  to  tume  from  there  evill  wales,  that  they  may 
praevent  it,  or  to  take  some  other  course  that  they  may  es- 
cape it : 

"  2.  Such  as  goe  awaye  are  of  noe  observation  in  respect  of 
those  whoe  remaine,  &  they  are  likely  to  doe  more  good  there 
then  here,  &  since  Chrlsts  time  the  Church  is  to  be  considered 
as  universall  w'^'out  distinction  of  Countries,  soe  as  he  that 
doeth  good  in  one  place  serves  the  Church  in  all  places  in  regard 
of  the  unity. 


OF  JOHN  WINTIIEOr.  313 

"3.  It  is  the  revealed  will  of  God  that  the  GospcU  should 
be  preached  to  all  nations,  &  though  we  know  not  whether 
these  Barbarians  will  receive  it  at  first  or  noe,  yet  it  is  a  good 
worke  to  serve  Gods  providence  In  offering  it  to  them  (&  tins 
is  fittest  to  be  doone  by  Gods  owne  servants)  for  God  shall 
have  glory  by  It  though  they  refuse  it,  &  there  Is  good  hope 
that  the  Posterity  shall  by  this  meanes  be  gathered  Into  Christs 
shccpefould. 

"  Ob  :  3.  We  have  feared  a  Judgment  a  great  while,  but  yet 
we  ai*e  safe,  It  Aveare  better  therefore  to  stay  till  it  come,  & 
either  we  may  fiie  then,  or  if  we  bee  overtaken  In  It  we  may 
well  content  o'  selves  to  suffer  w"*  such  a  Church  as  ours  Is : 

"  Ans  :  It  Is  likely  that  this  consideration  made  the  Churches 
beyound  the  Seas  as  the  Pallatinate,  Rochelle,  etc,  to  sitt  still 
at  home,  &  not  looke  out  for  the  shelter,  while  they  might 
have  founde  it ;  but  the  woefull  spectacle  of  theire  rulne  may 
teach  us  more  wisdome  to  avoide  the  Plauge  when  It  Is  fore- 
seene,  &  not  to  tarry  as  they  did  till  it  overtake  us.  If  they 
weare  now  at  their  former  liberty  we  may  be  sure  they  would 
take  other  Courses  for  theire  safty;  &  though  halfe  of  them 
had  miscarried  in  their  escape,  yet  had  it  not  beene  soe  misera- 
ble to  themselves  nor  scandalous  to  Religion  as  this  desperate 
backsliding  &  abiureing  the  trewth,  w*^^  many  of  the  ancient 
Professours  among  them,  &  the  whole  Posteritie  w"^^  remalne 
are  now  plundged  into  : 

"  Ob :  4 :  The  ill  successe  of  other  Plantations  may  tell  us 
what  yn\\  become  of  this  : 

"  Ans :  1  :  None  of  the  former  sustained  any  great  damage 
but  Virginia,  w*^'^  happned  through  there  owne  slouth  &  secu- 
rity. 

"  2.  The  argument  Is  not  good,  for  thus  It  standes  :  Some 
Plantations  have  miscarried,  therefore  we  should  not  make  any  ; 
It  consists  of  particulars  &  soe  concludes  noethinge.  We  might 
as  well  reason  thus  ;  many  houses  have  beene  burnt  by  killes, 
therefore  we  should  use  none :  many  sliippes  have  beene  cast 
awaye,  therefore  we  should  content  o''  selves  w'^  o""  home  com- 

40 


314  LITE    AND    LETTERS 

modltles  &  not  adventure  mens  lives  at  Sea  for  those  thinsres 
w*^^  we  might  live  w*^out :  Some  men  have  beene  undoone 
by  being  advanced  to  great  places,  therefore  we  should  refuse 
all  pr£e ferment,  etc  : 

"3.  The  fruite  of  any  publike  designe  is  not  to  be  discerned 
by  the  immediate  successe ;  it  may  appeare  in  time  that  the 
former  Plantations  weare  all  to  good  use. 

"  4.  There  weare  great  &  fundamental!  errors  in  the  former 
w'^'^  are  like  to  be  avoided  in  this  :  ffor  :  1  :  their  mayne  end 
was  Carnall  &  not  Religious  :  2.  They  used  unfitt  instruments, 
a  multitude  of  rude  &  misgovernd  persons,  the  very  scumme 
of  the  Land  :  3  :  They  did  not  establish  a  right  forme  of  go- 
vernment. 

"Ob  :  5.  It  is  attended  w*^  many  &  great  difficulties  : 

"  Ans :  Soe  is  every  good  action ;  the  Heathen  could  say 
Ardua  virtutis  via,  &  the  way  of  Gods  kingdome,  w*^*^  is  the  best 
waye  in  the  world,  is  accompanied  w'^  most  difficulties, 
Streight  is  the  gate,  &  narrow  is  the  waye,  that  leadeth  to  life  : 
againe  the  difficulties  are  noe  other  then  such  as  many  dayly 
meete  w*^,  &  such  as  God  hath  brought^  others  well  through 
them  : 

"  Ob  :  6.  It  is  a  worke  above  the  power  of  the  under- 
takers : 

"Ans:  1.  The  wealfare  of  any  body  consists  not  soe  much 
in  quantitie  as  in  a  due  proportion  &  disposition  of  parts,  &  we 
see  other  Plantations  have  subsisted  diverse  yeares  &  prospered 
from  weaker  meanes  : 

"2.  It  is  noe  wonder  for  great  thinges  to  arise  from  smale 
&  contemptible  beginnings  ;  it  hath  beene  often  scene  in  king- 
domes  &  States,  &  may  as  well  hould  in  townes  &  plantations. 
The  Waldenses  weare  scattred  into  the  Alpes,  &  mountaines  of 
Peidmont,  by  small  companies,  but  they  became  famous  Churches 
whereof  some  remaine  to  tliis  day,  &  it  is  certaine  that  the 
Turckes,  Venetians,  &  other  States  weare  very  weake  in  their 
beofinninges  : 

"  Ob  :  7  :  The  Countrie  affordes  not  naturall  fortifications  : 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  315. 

"  Ans.  Noe  more  did  Holland  &  many  other  places  w'^'^  had 
greater  enimies  &  neerer  at  hand,  «fe  God  doth  use  to  place  his 
people  in  the  middest  of  perills,  that  they  may  trust  in  him  & 
not  in  outward  meanes  of  safety ;  soe  when  he  would  chouse  a 
place  to  plante  his  onely  beloved  people  in,  he  seated  them  not 
in  an  Hand  or  other  place  fortified  by  nature,  but  in  a  plaine 
Countrie,  besette  w*^  potent  &  bitter  enimies  rounde  about,  yet 
soe  longe  as  they  served  him  &  trusted  in  his  helpe  they  were 
safe ;  soe  the  Apostle  S"'  Paull  saith  of  himselfe  &  his  fellow 
labourours,  that  they  weare  coumpassed  w^*^  dangers  on  every 
side  &  weare  dayly  under  the  sentence  of  death,  that  they  might 
learne  to  trust  in  the  livinge  God : 

"  Ob  :  8  :  The  place  affordeth  not  comfortable  meanes  to  the 
first  planters,  &  o'^'  breedinge  here  at  home  hath  made  us  unfitte 
for  the  hardshippe  we  are  like  to  endure  there. 

"Ans :  1.  Noe  place  of  itself  hath  afforded  sufficient  to  the 
first  Inhabitants  ;  such  thinges  as  we  stand  in  neede  of  are 
usually  supplied  by  Gods  blessing  upon  the  wisdome  &  indus- 
try of  man,  &  whatsoever  we  stand  in  neede  of  is  treasured  up 
in  the  earth  by  the  Creator,  &  to  be  feched  thense  by  the  sweate 
of  o''  browes : 

"  2.  We  must  learne  w^'^  Paull  to  want  as  well  as  to  abounde  ; 
if  we  have  foode  &  raym*  (w^**  are  there  to  be  had)  we  ought 
to  be  contented,  the  difference  in  the  quality  may  a  little  dis- 
please us  but  it  cannot  hmi;  us. 

"3.  It  may  be  God  will  by  this  meanes  bringe  us  to  repent 
of  o''  former  Intemperance,  &  soe  cure  us  of  that  desease  w'^'* 
sends  many  amongst  us  untimely  to  o*"  graves  &  others  to  hell : 
Soe  he  carried  the  Isralites  into  the  wildernesse  &  made  them 
forgette  the  fleshpotts  of  Egipt,  w*^^  was  some  pinch  to  them  at 
first  but  he  disposed  it  to  their  good  in  the  end,  Deu.  8  : 
3:  16: 

"  Ob  :  9.  We  must  looke  to  be  praeserved  by  miracle  if  we 
subsiste,  &  soe  w-e  shall  tempt  God. 

"  Ans  :  1 .  They  who  walke  under  ordinary  meanes  of  safety 
&  supply  doe  not  tempt  God,  but  such  will  o""  condition  be  in 


316  LITE    AJSTD   LETTEES 

this  Plantation,  therefore  the  proposition  cannot  be  denied ;  the 
assumption  we  prove  thus,  that  place  is  as  much  secured  from 
ordinary  dangers  as  many  in  the  civill  parts  of  the  world,  & 
we  shall  have  as  much  provision  beforehand  as  such  townes  doe 
use  to  provide  against  a  seige  or  dearth,  &  sufficient  meanes  for 
raising  a  sufficient  store  to  succeed  against  that  be  spent.  If 
it  be  denied  that  we  shall  be  as  secure  as  other  places,  we 
answeare  that  many  of  o'  Sea  townes,  &  such  as  are  upon  the 
confines  of  enimies  countries  in  the  continent,  lie  more  open 
&  neerer  to  danger  then  we  shall ;  and  though  such  townes 
have  sometime  beene  burnt  or  spoiled,  yet  men  tempt  not  God 
to  dwell  still  in  them,  &  though  many  houses  in  the  Countrie 
amongst  us  lie  open  to  robbers  &  theeves  (as  many  have 
found  by  sad  experience)  yet  noe  man  will  say  that  those  that 
dwell  in  such  places  must  be  praeserved  by  miracle  : 

"  2.  Though  miracles  be  now  ceased,  yet  men  may  expecte 
a  more  then  ordinarie  blessing  from  God  upon  all  lawfuU 
meanes  where  the  worke  is  the  Lords  &  he  is  sought  in  it  ac- 
cording to  his  will,  for  it  is  usuall  w**^  him  to  encrease  or  weaken 
the  strength  of  the  meanes  as  he  is  pleased  or  displeased  w**^  the 
Instruments  &  the  action  ;  else  we  must  conclude  that  God  hath 
lefte  the  goverm*  of  the  world  &  coinitted  all  power  to  the  Crea- 
ture, that  the  successe  of  all  thinges  should  wholely  depend 
upon  second  causes. 

"  3.  We  appeale  to  the  ludgm*  of  Soldiers  if  500  men  may 
not  in  one  mounth  raise  a  fortification  w"^^  w*'^  sufficient  muni- 
tion &  victuall  they  may  not  make  good  against  3000  for  many 
mounths,  &  yet  w^'^out  miracle  : 

"  4.  We  demand  an  instaunce  of  any  Prince  or  State  that 
hath  raised  3000  Soldieres,  &  hath  victuald  them  for  vi  or  viii 
mounths  w*  shippinge  &  munition  answerable  to  invade  a  place 
soe  far  distant  as  this  is  from  any  forraine  enimie,  &  where  they 
must  runne  on  hazard  of  Repulse,  &  noe  bootie  or  iust  title  of 
soveranitie  to  allure  them  : 

"  Ob :  10.  If  it  succeed  ill,  it  will  raise  a  scandall  upon  o' 
profession : 


or   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  317 

"  Ans :  It  is  noe  rule  in  Philosopliie  much  lesse  in  divinity  to 
iudge  the  action  by  the  successe  ;  the  enterprize  of  the  Israelites 
against  Beniamiu  succeeded  ill  twice  yet  the  action  was  good  & 
prospered  in  the  end.  The  Erie  of  Beziers  in  fFrance  &  Tho- 
losuge  miscarried  in  the  defence  of  a  iust  cause  of  Religion  & 
theire  hereditarie  rio^ht  against  the  uniust  violence  of  the  Earle 
Montford  &  the  Popes  Legatt :  The  Duke  of  Saxony  &  the 
Landgrave  had  ill  successe  in  the  defence  of  the  Gospell  against 
Charles  the  5"^,  wherein  the  Duke  &  his  Children  lost  their 
whole  Inheritance  to  tliis  day  :  The  Kinge  of  Denmarck  & 
other  Princes  of  the  union  had  ill  successe  in  the  defence  of  the 
Palatinate  &  the  Liberty  of  Germanic,  yet  their  profession  suf- 
fered not  w*^  their  persons,  except  it  weare  w*''  the  adversaries 
of  Religion,  &  soe  it  was  noe  scandall  given." 

The  paper  thus  given  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Forth 
Winthrop,  who,  as  there  is  abundant  evidence,  was  fre- 
quently employed  as  a  copyist  for  his  father.  Serious 
doubts  have  sometimes  been  expressed,  whether  the  elder 
Winthrop  was  the  author  of  this  paper.  Hutchinson 
seems  to  ascribe  its  authorship  to  Francis  Higginson.^ 
The  name  of  John  "White  has  also  been  given  in  connection 
with  it.  Indeed,  a  copy  of  the  paper  has  recently  been 
found  among  the  Colonial  Documents  of  Her  Majesty's 
State-paper  Office,  in  London ;  on  which  is  indorsed, 
"  ^^Tiite  of  Dorchester  his  instructions  for  the  plantation 
of  New  England."  But  this  version  is  even  more  abbre- 
viated and  condensed  than  the  one  given  by  Hutchinson. 
Meantime,  we  find  an  original  draught  of  the  earlier 
portion  of  the  paper,  with  marginal  alterations  and  sug- 
gestions,  in   the   handwriting   of  the    elder  Winthrop, 

1  Hutchinson's  Collection  of  Papers,  p.  24. 


318  LIFE    AISTD    LETTERS 

indorsed  "  For  New  England,  May,  1629  ;  "  proving  that 
he  had  it  under  consideration  several  months  before  it 
was  submitted  to  his  son,  and  that  he  was  probably  pre- 
paring it  about  the  time  when  he  wrote  the  letter  to  his 
wife,  dated  May  15,  1629  (given  in  the  last  chapter), 
which  has  so  many  sentiments  and  expressions  in  com- 
mon with  these  Observations.  We  find,  moreover,  an- 
other portion  of  the  paper  in  Winthrop's  handwriting, 
distinctly  indorsed,  "  Objections  Answered,  the  first 
draught ; "  together  with  still  other  autograph  manu- 
scripts of  his,  which  were  evidently  preparations  for  the 
same  composition. 

Undoubtedly,  the  paper  was  submitted  to  the  consi- 
deration of  others  interested  in  the  enterprise  to  which  it 
related  ;  and  it  may  have  been  altered  and  amended  after 
a  comparison  of  opinions  vdth  the  leading  friends  of  the 
movement.  Copies  of  it  were  probably  made  in  its  ori- 
ginal shape,  and  sent  to  such  men  as  White  and  Cradock 
and  SaUonstall  and  Isaac  Johnson  and  Humphrey  and 
Higginson ;  if  Higginson,  indeed,  had  not  left  England 
before  it  was  the  subject  of  consideration.^  These  may  be 
the  copies  which  fornid  their  way  into  Hutchinson's  collec- 
tion, or  were  communicated  to  the  British  archives  from 
the  papers  of  White.  But  the  testimony  now  furnished 
by  the  family  papers  of  Winthrop  would  seem  to  settle 
the  question,. in  default  of  any  positive  evidence  to  the 
contrary,  that  the  paper  was  prepared  by  him. 

In  confirmation  of  the  idea  that  copies  of  the  paper 
were  submitted  by  Winthrop  to  the  consideration  of  some 

1  Higginson  sailed  in  April,  1629. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  319 

of  his  friends  and  neighbors,  we  give,  next,  an  interest- 
ing letter,  without  date,  address,  or  signature,  but  in  the 
unmistakable  chhography  of  Eobert  Ryece,  of  Preston, 
in  the  county  of  Suffolk.  E-obert  llyece,  says  an  old 
manuscript  in  the  Herald's  College,  relating  to  the  anti- 
quities of  Suffolk,  was  "  an  accomplished  gentleman,  and 
a  great  preserver  of  the  Antiquities  of  this  County.  He 
had  his  education  some  years  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Theo- 
dore Beza,  at  Geneva.  He  set  up  m.  Preston  the  Poyal 
Arms  of  England,  ui  a  fan-  table,  and  in  glasse  the 
names  of  the  most  ancient  Knights  and  Esquires  of 
this  Coimty,  of  which  the  most  remam  this  25th  of  March, 
1655."^ 

The  letter  contains  a  running  commentary  on  the  va- 
rious heads  of  the  paper  last  given,  which  had  evidently 
been  submitted  to  him  by  Winthrop  ;  and  concludes  with 
some  friendly,  though  not  altogether  encouragmg,  sugges- 
tions in.  regard  to  the  New-England  enterprise.  But  it 
contains  some  other  allusions  also,  which  will  require 
further  elucidation  at  its  close. 

Robert  Ryece  to  John  Winthrop. 
^^For  the  fyrst  trade  of  the  7  :  general  articles. 

"  There  Is  no  woorke  deemed  more  lawefull  &  more  requisite, 
then  y®  platatio  &  establishlnge  of  a  true  church  :  for  y®  propa- 
gatlnge  of  true  Rellgeo  &  y®  christian  faythe  ; .  but  yett  In  y® 
due  tyme  &  place,  w*^  a  wary  regarde  of  all  necessary  circii- 
stances  belonginge  to  the  same,  &  w*^  a  due  respecte  to  all 


1  Eyece  married  Mary,  the  eldest  daughter  of  Thomas  Appleton,  Esq.,  of  Little 
Waldingfield ;  and  his  Will,  together  with  some  account  of  his  career,  will  be  found  in 
the  Appleton  Memorial,  privately  printed,  Boston,  1850,  pp.  71-82. 


320  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

future  contingencies,  that  insteade  of  buyldinge  there  bee  not 
an  overthrowenge. 

"This  service  of  reisinge,  &  setlinge  a  particular  church,  is 
suche  a  woorthie  woorke,  &  carries  suche  a  bewtifull  pretexte, 
that  it  doothe  anticipate  y®  awnswere  to  all  obiections,  &  drawes 
a  concession  for  sondrye  reasons  averred.  Yett  y®  furtherance 
of  a  particular  church  is  not  to  be  preferred  before  y®  better- 
inge  of  some  smalle  parte  of  a  church  allredy  setled,  that  by 
absence  of  wonted  care  &  respecte,  the  same  maye  suffer  a 
defecte  &  diminution  in  recession,  ffor,  for  wante  of  wonted 
assistaunce  the  state  of  y^  church  decay eth,  w*^^  in  progression, 
by  p''sence  of  all  the  partes,  prospereth. 

"It  is  not  denied,  but  y®  newe  church  once  truly  settled  in 
y®  due  tyme  &  place,  maye  throughe  a  sympathie  bothe  of 
nature  &  grace,  bee  of  more  use  &  comforte  to  hir  moother 
church  in  future  tymes  of  calamitie,  the  suche  who  shee  doothe 
styll  noryshe  in  hir  owne  bosome ;  ffor  it  is  y''  conditio  of  y® 
church  some  tymes  to  wanze,  not  allwayes  eminently  to  growe ; 
but  sometymes  to  be  ecclipsed  in  parte,  dai'kened  or  persecuted  ; 
when  as  it  is  iuste  to  seeke  refuge  for  saftye,  especially  where 
safest  hope  may  be  founde. 

"To  leave  a  place  of  lesse  consideration,  for  a  charge  of 
greter  consequence,  imposed  by  y®  generall  callinge  of  y®  better 
sorte,  maye  no  dowte  be  allowed,  especially  as  thinges  stande 
heere  at  this  daye,  where  y'^  inferiour  magistrate,  yf  he  be  true 
&  stricte  for  y®  due  execution  of  his  place,  especially  ag**'  pope- 
rye,  or  ag*®  the  common  synnes  of  the  tyme,  is  alltogeth''  dis- 
corasfcd  &  disco wntenanced. 

"  And  so  many  instances  may  be  given,  how  p'vate  persons 
of  this  kinde  have  iustely  derelinquished  there  places,  even  w* 
good  successe,  for  y®  coinon  benefyte  &  better  service  of  God. 

^^ffor  the  second  trade  of:  5  ;  perticuler  respectes. 

"  If  y®  State  of  thinges  be  so  farre  gone,  y*^  w^'^owte  yo"" 
p''sence,  the  cheefe  und'^takers  of  this  plantation,  (men  of  g*® 
goodness,  qualitie  &  wysdome)  wyll  no  wayes  stirre  in  this  buy- 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  321 

synes  :  And  yf  y"  invitation  of  sondry  devynes,  m*®  deere  unto 
you,  Juditious  &  of  g**'  understandinge,  w**^  y^  calle  of  supreame 
auc*®,  rectefyenge  &  awnsweringe  all  impedim**  &  obiections 
wliatsoev'',  w'''^  Avas  no  wayes  knowe  to  yo''  friendes  in  these 
partes,  w'^^  wyshed  &  prayed  for  yo''  good,  as  entyrely  and  re- 
spectyvelye  as  any  others  :  there  is  no  reason,  &  lesse  con- 
science, for  a  particular  uncertayntie  &  an  uncomfortable  charge 
heere  at  home,  to  omytte  &  overthrowe  a  woorke  of  so  emi- 
nente  consideration  &  consequence  abroade,  wherein  more  ser- 
vice maye  be  doone  to  God,  y^  coiiion  benefyte  &  yo""  owne 
particular,  w'^'^  it  were  g*^  indiscretion  to  neglecte  nowe  y®  doore 
is  opened,  &  were  a  g*®  forge ttfuU  unthankfullnes  to  the  lorde, 
to  refuse  imploym*'  in  so  hie  an  ordinace. 

"And  therefore  yo'  friends  doe  now  rath""  encorage  yo"  to 
proceede,  &  do  entreate  the  Allmightye  Lorde  of  Hostes,  to  goe 
^th  jqu^  ^q  blesse  &  governe  yo"  in  all  yo'  wayes. 

"  Somewhat  hreefelye  for  the  thyrde  tracte. 

"  It  is  agayne  acknowledged,  there  can  be  no  woorke  or  ser- 
vice of  great'  consequence,  then  to  plante  y®  ghospell  in  y®  remote 
partes  of  y®  woorlde,  even  for  a  Rebutter  ag*®  Aiichriste  :  Sc 
y®  more  for  that  wee  see,  y*  m*®  parte  of  y®  protestante  churches 
of  Europe  are  destroyed,  where w*^  if  y®  same  lotte  cometh  upon 
this  lande,  as  longe  synce  hathe  byn  feared,  how  woonderfull  is 
y^  lorde  in  mercye,  that  hathe  reysed  tliis  newe  plantatio,  for  so 
comfortable  a  refuge,  for  all  suche  whom  he  hathe  exempted, 
oute  of  that  generall  divastation,  w^'^  o'  Synnes  have  so  muche 
deserved. 

"  This  contrye  riche  in  y^  plenty  of  a  longe  peace,  &  full  w* 
y^  surfetts  of  a  contynewall  ease,  hathe  longe  synce  growe  weary 
of  hir  Inhitants,  especially  y**  poorer  sorte,  reputed  but  as  y® 
burden  of  y^  State.  And  indeede  thinges  are  groAvne,.to  suche 
a  transcendente  heighte  of  excesse  in  all  intemperace  &  ryotte, 
that  no  mas  meanes  are  enoughe  to  keep  sayle  vv*^  his  equalls, 
wherein  who  so  ever  can  not  doe  as  oth'  men  doe,  oh  w*"^  what 
scorne  &  contempte  doothe  he  lyve  in  ?     Now  from  this  it  be- 

41 


322  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

falleth  y*  wee  see  suche  fraude  &  deceipte  In  all  artes  &  trades, 
y*  it  is  deemed  allm*®  impossible  for  a  good  &  an  uprighte  ma, 
to  maynetayne  his  charge,  &  to  lyve  comfortably  amonge  any 
of  them. 

"  Agayne  y®  fowntaynes  of  all  learninge  Religio,  &  y^  wonted 
places  for  educatio  of  youthe,  are  so  corrupted,  &  so  ex- 
ceedingly chargeable,  y*  the  fynest  wyttes  of  beste  hope, 
throwghe  infynlte  ill  examples  of  debauched  seminaries  & 
governours,   are  utterly  spoyled  &  overthrowen. 

"All  this  is  confessed  w*  the  reste  of  yo""  argum*%  w*^^  I  for- 
beare  fuvtl/  to  wryte,  bycawse  y*  in  suche  a  flourishinge  church 
&  coinon  welthe  (as  the  blinde  lightes  of  this  lande  do  p^'tende) 
where  every  place  mourneth  for  wante  of  Justice,  where  y® 
cryenge  synnes  goe  unponished  or  unreproved,  crueltye  and 
bloode  is  in  o""  streetes,  y®  land  aboimdeth  w*^^  murthers,  slawgh- 
ters,  Incestes,  Adulteryes,  whoredom,  dronkennes,  oppression 
&  pride,  where  well  doinge  is  not  mayntayned,  or  y®  godly 
cherished,  but  Idollatrye,  popery,  &  what  so  ever  is  evyll  is 
countenanced  :  even  the  leaste  of  these  is  enowghe,  &  enowghe 
to  make  haste  owte  of  Babylon,  &  to  seeke  to  dye  rather  in  y° 
wyldernes  then  styll  to  dwelle  in  Sodome,  Mesheck,  &  in  the 
tents  of  Kedar. 

"  And  now  bycawse  I  see  a  constante  resolutio  for  this  expe- 
ditio,  I  praye  yo^  yett  geve  me  leave,  by  waye  of  cawtio  to 
enforme  yo",  Avhat  I  have  observed,  fro  others  of  g*®  Judgem*®, 
.  wysdome,  &  longe  experience  in  those  remote  aflPayres,  not  in 
the  leaste  sorte  to  contradicte  y'"  intention,  but  to  make  yo"  more 
warye  to  provyde  for  these  difficulties. 

"No  sonner  were  thes  partes  discovered,  but  every  one  ear- 
nestly called  for  platatio,  in  y®  w'^^^  y®  Margave  had  evermore  a 
cheefe  hande,  stirrige  up  auc*®  &  Nobyllytle  for  y®  glory  of  y® 
Kingdome,  &  all  godly  well  disposed  persons  to  contribute,  & 
to  coUecte,  many  g*®  Surnes,  w*""  these  bewtifull  pretextes,  y® 
honor  of  y®  Crowne  to  have  newe  accesses  to  y®  same,  y®  en- 
largem*®  of  Gods  church  where  y®  christian  faythe  was  never 
yett  preched,  &  the  g*®  good  of  y®  lande,  to  employe  so  many 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  323 

ydle  heerc  at  home,  for  trade  &  trafFacke,  whereas  for  there 
owne  particidar  benefyte,  (w'^**  was  y®  ende  of  all  these  allega- 
tions, &  w'^'^'hathe  byn  y®  sole  overthrowe  of  all  these  planta- 
tions) they  never  once  metioned.  fFor  there  shall  yo"  observe, 
yf  y°  Marchants  sawe  not  p''nte  gayne,  Supplie  promised  was 
e^th'"  totally  denyed,  or  so  longe  delayed,  that  they  were  all 
starved  &  consumed. 

"Thay  observed  lykewise  from  y®  beginninge  of  this  dis- 
coverye  plantations  often  attepted,  but  never  succeeded,  unto 
w*^**  It  wylbe  a\\Tiswerd,  the  hystories  relate  sondry  cawses 
thereof,  of  all  w^^  the  p'sente  generatio  wyll  have  good  cawse 
to  bewarre.  The  evill  happe  of  form*"  fundamentall  errors,  may 
not  hinder  y®  successe  of  y®  latter,  ffor  perfection  of  thinges 
is  not  founded  in  y®  beginnynges,  but  from  y^  beginninges  men 
proceed  to  those  thinges  w^*^  are  perfectt. 

"Thay  suppose  that  untyl  there  bee,  by  more  lengthe  of 
tyme,  a  setled  State,  w*^  good  hope  of  certayntye,  for  a  quiett 
enioyege  of  the  same,  from  so  neere  &  potente  an  adversary, 
who  ev"^  lysteneth  &  gapeth  for  nothinge  more  the  when  those 
partes  shall  once  become  fytte  for  his  praye,  this  is  no  tyme  fytt 
to  adventure  there  for  fiu-th'"  plantation. 

"But  suppose  y^  lande  peopled,  y^  coinowelthe  established, 
o"*  lawes  there  setled  for  governm*^,  as  it  is  heere  at  home.  Hathe 
not  form'"  experience  showed,  y*  discotented  myndes  seinge  a 
Presidente  of  weake  Judgem*^  in  dangers,  &  lesse  industry  in 
peace,  w'^  too  hie  a  cariadge  in  his  place,  how  soone  he  is  dis- 
tasted, eve  w**^  y®  Cownsell,  Soldiers  &  Mariners,  upo  y®  suc- 
cesse of  proceedinges  in  y®  Colonye,  how  he  is  cotemned,  his 
auc*^  not  regarded,  alledgege  he  hath  no  auc*®  in  that  place, 
beinge  no  acquired,  hereditary  or  coquered,  setled,  or  estab- 
lished place,  as  heere  at  home,  &  therefore  the  greaf  nomber 
procede  to  depose  hy  &  to  choose  a  newe  Presidete  :  ffor  inso- 
lente  cariadges  in  eminente  auc*®,  ag*  particular  persons,  may 
by  longe  patience  be  endured  &  by  stregthe  borne  OAvte  :  But 
whe  errors  towche  the  publicke,  every  member  is  sensible  of 
wronge,  &  putts  his  hande  to  his  downefall. 


324  LIFE    AND    LETTERS 

"Yea  y®  Cownsell  so  often  deryded  by  factions,  tliroughe 
mlsgovernm*®,  whe  weake  Presidentes  appoynte  unskyllfull  offi- 
cers in  places  w'^'^  belonge  to  the  who  have  spente  longest  tyme 
in  the  service  of  those  partes  —  whe  y®  harvest  is  not  duly 
gathered,  the  provision  in  store  is  moche  spoyled  or  secretly 
soldo  to  the  enemyes,  when  pryvate  Soldiers  for  victualls  do 
sell  there  swoordes,  there  powd""  &  shott,  to  trade  w*  the  Sava- 
ges, when  others  of  lesse  woorthe  &  regarde  then  hymselfe,  as 
he  deemeth,  who  never  was  acquaynted  w**^  those  affayres,  to  be 
advaunced  to  the  place  of  gov'^m*®,  himselfe  &  his  service  so  longe 
tyme  in  those  discoveries  reiected,  he  murmureth,  mutineth,  & 
secretly  conspireth  w*'^  p'vie  confederates,  for  y®  primacye. 

"  Therefore  y®  beste  direction  of  actions  is  cownsayle  &  wys- 
dome  to  respecte  ev^'y  one  in  his  place. 

"Whe  throwghe  y®  Presidents  improvidence,  y®  Store  is  not 
wysely  guyded  or  tymely  renewed,  from  tradinge  w'^  the  Sa- 
vadges,  and  whe  usuall  supplie  of  those  partes  of  all  vitualls  & 
necessary es  cometh  not  soone  as  was  expected,  this  wyll  breeds 
at  the  leaste  suspicion  &  infinite  discotente,  yf  not  anarchy.^ 
flPor  the  necessitie  is  neyth'  ruled  by  la  we,  nor  overruled  by 
pow',  hir  force  is  so  g*®,  not  only  in  y®  passive  resistance  ag*® 
all  harde  Impressions,  but  in  actyve  &  vyolente  impetuositie, 
that  throwghe  all  obstacles  and  dayngers,  she  wyll  fynde  a  waye, 
or  make  it. 

"Many  in  these  partes  havinge  spente  there  estates,  & 
ashamed  heere  to  stryke  sayle,  have  gone  for  this  plantation, 
thinkinge  there  for  to  lyve  at  a  lower  rate,  w^'^  some  thinge 
remayninge ;  but  changinge  only  y®  soyle  &  not  y®  cowrse  of 
these  degenerate  tymes,  to  waste  all  in  drynke  &  Tobacco, 
then  when  y®  2  hands  can  not  feede  one  mouthe,  nor  clothe  one 
backe,  then  they  soone  starve  &  pyne  awaye.  And  when  the 
Presidente  &  Cownsell  admitteth  suche  to  lyve  there,  as  can 
not  woorke,  but  lyve  ydlye,  nor  have  any  to  woorke  for  them, 

1  We  have  followed  the  ancient  abbreviations  in  almost  every  word  except  this, 
which  in  the  original  is  "&'ch"  !  We  claim  some  credit  for  the  translation;  which  is 
obvious  enough  after  it  is  once  suggested,  but  certainly  not  before. 


OF   JOIIN  WINTHROP.  325 

nor  able  there  to  compasse  any  meanes,  whereupo  lyve  &  setle 
liymselfe,  What  shall  become  on  them  !  Wysdome  is  not  geven 
to  sytt  styll,  &  to  lyve  ydlye,  but  it  doothe  directe  to  all  ver- 
tuous  endeavoures.  And  Slothe  &  Idleness,  w'^''  is  the  norsery 
of  all  evill  in  a  como  wealthe,  hasteneth  y®  ruyne  &  dissolucion 
of  y®  wholl  bodye  &  frame  of  y^  State. 

"To  proceede  furth''  in  this  sorte  were  teadious,  but  to  a 
Judgem'  so  quicke  &  apprehensyve  it  is  in  vayne ;  only  where 
so  many  dangers  maye  appere,  to  take  y®  leaste,  ever  dowbt- 
inge  what  maye  befalle  :  ffor  in  pollicie,  dowbte  is  y®  mooth"^  of 
good  successe,  &  he  y*  feareth  the  Avoorste,  p'"venteth  it  soonest. 
Yf  you  doe  well,  I  shalbe  moste  gladde.  That  yo"  maye  ever 
do  well,  I  beseeche  y*  allmighty.  And  when  you  have  doone 
well,  I  shall  infinitely  reioyce  &  prayse  the  lorde,  to  whose 
blessed  protection  I  ever  more  do  leave  yo*^  in  all  yo""  wayes." 

Wintlirop  is  entitled  to  the  sympathy  of  posterity,  if 
all  the  responses  to  his  conunimications  about  New  Eng- 
land were  in  as  crabbed  characters,  and  in  as  lukewarm 
a  straui,  as  this  particular  response  of  the  Suffolk  Anti- 
quary. But  the  letter  of  Ryece  is  full  of  interest  and 
value,  nevertheless,  as  furnishing  unequivocal  evidence 
in  regard  to  the  papers  submitted  to  his  consideration. 
There  were  evidently  three  "  Tractes  "  communicated  to 
Ryece ;  and  they  were  probably  the  same  in  substance 
with  those  which  were  sent  to  the  younger  Winthrop. 
One  of  them  was  plaiuly  the  paper  which  has  already 
been  given ;  to  which  Ryece  refers  as  "  the  thyrde 
tracte,"  and  of  which  he  quotes  a  part  of  the  precise 
language.  The  other  two  "Tractes"  wUl  be  no  less 
readily  identified  as  the  two  brief  series  of  Conclusions, 
which  are  found  in  Winthrop's  own  hand,  and  which  are 
here  printed  for  the  first  time,  as  follows :  — 


326  LITE    AND    LETTEES 


"  Some  Gen''  Conclusions  shewinge  that  persons  of  good  use  heere 
(yea  in  publike  service)  may  be  transplanted  for  the  furtherance 
of  this  plantation  in  N:  E  : 

"  1  :  It  is  granted  that  the  worke  is  lawful!  &  hopefuU  of 
success  for  the  great  good  of  the  Churche. 

"  2  :  It  must  be  advaunced  hy  persons,  gifted  (in  some  com- 
petent measure)  suiteable  to  the  worke. 

"3  :  Every  one  who  hathe  meet  gifts,  hath  not  a  will  to  the 
worke,  &  no  bonde  of  Conscience  or  other  compulsarye  call 
can  ordinaryely  be  imposed  upon  such  as  have  no  minde  to  it. 

"  4 :  The  service  of  raysinge  &  upholdinge  a  particular 
Churche  is  to  be  preferred  before  the  betteringe  some  parte 
of  a  Churche  alreadye  established. 

"  5  :  Of  workes  of  the  same  kinde,  that  is  most  to  be  fur- 
thered, which  (by  common  intendment)  is  of  largest  extente. 

"  6  :  The  exercise  of  an  Office  of  lesse  consequence,  where- 
into  any  is  putt  by  ordinarye  callinge,  may  be  lefte,  upon  the 
like  call  to  some  other  imployment  of  greater  consequence  : 
especially  where  there  followeth  no  violatio  of  the  rule  of 
Righteousnesse . 

"  7  :  A  future  good,  if  it  be  greater,  may  be  preferred  before 
a  present  good  that  is  lesse  :  &  in  this  respecte,  the  members 
of  that  Churche  may  be  of  more  use  to  their  mother  Churche 
heere,  than  manye  of  those  whom  she  shall  still  keepe  in  her 
owne  bosome  ;  so  when  the  Churche  in  the  Rev  :  12  :  was  pre- 
sented by  the  dragon,  her  sonne  was  taken  from  her,  not 
resrardinff  so  muche  what  losse  she  should  have  of  him  for  the 
present,  as  the  future  good  he  should  be  reserved  for. 

"8:  It  may  be  instanced  in  divers  publike  persons,  &  in 
many  others  of  great  use,  that  have  lefte  the  places  where  they 
have  been  settled,  &  their  changes  approved. 

"  9  :  The  takinge  oiF  a  scandall  from  a  wholl  Churche  & 
Keligion  itselfe  is  to  be  preferred  before  the  betteringe  of  the 
same  Churche  :  It  is  a  Scandall  to  our  Churche  &  Religion, 
that  professinge  in  all  o'  Plantations,  the  Conversion  of  those 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  327" 

Barbarians,  jet  we  declare  to  the  world,  that  we  intende  not 
that,  but  o'"  owne  profitt,  in  that  we  imploye  not  persons  meete 
for  suche  a  worke,  but  oncly  such  as  are  a  biu'den  to  us,  or, 
for  the  most  parte,  suche  as  we  can  well  spare,  while  the  Pa- 
pists in  their  like  attempts,  sticke  not  to  send  forthe  of  their 
most  able  &  usefuU  Instruments. 

"  10  :  Our  constant  practice  in  matters  of  like  nature  may  be 
a  rule  in  this  :  for  all  forraine  expeditions,  we  sticke  not  to 
imploye  of  o""  best  Statesmen  :  &  we  grutche  not  to  want  their 
ser^-ice  at  home  (though  never  so  usefull)  while  they  are  im- 
ployed  for  the  good  of  other  Churches  abroad. 

"  Particular  Considerations  in  the  case  of  J :  W : 

"  1  :  It  is  come  to  that  issue  as  (in  all  probabilitye)  the 
wellfare  of  the  Plantation  dependes  upon  his  goeinge,  for  divers 
of  the  Chiefe  Undertakers  (upon  whom  the  reste  depende)  will 
not  goe  without  him. 

"  2  :  He  acknowledges  a  satisfactorye  callinge,  outwarde 
from  those  of  the  Plantation,  inwardly  by  the  inclination  of  his 
own  hearte  to  the  worke,  &  bothe  approved  by  godly  &  iudi- 
tious  Devines  (whereof  some  have  the  first  interest  in  him) ,  & 
there  is  in  this  the  like  mediate  call  from  the  Kinge,  which  was 
to  his  former  imployment. 

"  3  :  Though  his  means  be  sufficient  for  a  comfortable  subsist- 
ence in  a  private  condition  lieere,  yet  the  one  lialfe  of  them 
being  disposed  to  liis  3  :  elder  sonnes,  who  are  now  of  age,  he 
cannot  live  in  the  same  place  &  callinge  with  that  which  re- 
mains ;  his  charge  being  still'  as  great  as  before,  when  his- 
means  wei'e  double  :  &  so  if  he  should  refuse  this  02")portunitye, 
that  talent  which  God  hath  bestowed  upon  him  for  publike 
service,  were  like  to  be  buried. 

"  4  :  His  wife  &  suche  of  his  children,  as  are  come  to  years 
of  discreation,  are  voluntarylye  disposed  to  the  same  Course. 

"  5  :  Most  of  his  friends  (upon  the  former  considerations) 
doe  consent  to  his  chansre." 


328  LITE   AJSTD   LETTERS 

One  of  these  little  "  Tractes "  must  have  undergone 
some  modification  after  it  was  submitted  to  Robert  Ryece  ; 
as  "  the  7  :  general  articles  "  have  become  10  in.  the  copy 
which  has  here  been  given.     But  "  the  Particular  Consi- 
derations in  the  case  of  J :  W : "  are  plainly  just  what 
they  were  when  the  Suffolk  Antiquary  referred  to  them 
as  "  the  second  tracte  of  5  :  perticuler  respectes."     The 
fourth  of  these  considerations  could  hardly  have  been  set 
forth  so  unquahfiedly  until  after  the  younger  Wuithrop 
had  given  his  assent  to  the  plan  ;  but,  with  this  excep- 
tion, there  can  be  little  room  for  doubt,  that  the  papers 
which   have   been  here  printed  are  substantially  "  the 
Conclusions"  to  which  he  alludes  in  the  admhable  letter 
at  the  beginning  of  this  chapter.     That  letter  could  not 
have  failed  to  encourage  the  heart  and  confirm  the  pur- 
pose of  his  father,  at  the  most  critical  moment  of  his 
dehberations  on  the  subject ;  and  it  is  hardly  too  much 
to  ascribe  to  its  noble  spirit  a  very  material  influence  on 
the  result  which  so  soon  followed.     We  shall  see,  that, 
a  few  days  only  after  it  was  received,  the  name  of  John 
"Winthrop    (the   elder)   was    afiixed   to   the    memorable 
agreement,  entered  into  at  Cambridge,  by  twelve  of  the 
leading  friends  of  the  Massachusetts  Plantation,  for  em- 
barking for  New  England,  —  "to  inhabit  and  continue " 
there.      Wmthrop's  name   stands  ninth  on  the  list  of 
signers  to  this   agreement ;    the  name  of  Sir   Richard 
Saltonstall  being  at  the  head.     But  the  order  of  names 
in  the  Massachusetts  Records,  so  far  as  Winthrop  is  con- 
cerned, will  soon  undergo  a  very  marked  alteration. 

We  must  not  bring  this  chapter  to  a  close,  long  as  it 
is  already,  without  exhibiting  Robert  Ryece,  the  old  Suf- 


or  JOHN   WINTHROP.  329 

folk  antiquary,  in  a  more  attractive  aspect  than  that  in 
which  he  appears  hi  the  letter  of  his  which  has  already 
been  made  the  subject  of  so  much  comment.  He  seems 
to  have  been  consulted  by  Wmtlu*op  more  than  once  in 
regard  to  his  purpose  of  going  over  to  New  England, 
and  to  have  written  at  least  one  other  letter  of  remon- 
strance. This  second  letter,  however,  while  it  earnestly 
attempts  to  dissuade  Winthrop  from  the  entei'prise,  is 
fuU  of  the  kindest  and  most  complimentary  expressions. 
Indeed,  we  should  hardly  know  where  to  look  for  a  more 
striking  tribute  to  Winthrop's  character  and  consequence 
at  the  period  of  his  leaving  Old  England,  or  to  the  esti- 
mation in  which  he  was  held  by  his  neighbors  of  Suffolk 
County,  than  is  furnished  by  this  letter  of  Robert  Ryece. 
Such  passages  as  the  following  are  certainly  full  of  sig- 
nificance :  "  The  Chiu'ch  and  Commonwealth  here  at 
home  hath  more  need  of  youi'  best  ability  in  these  dan- 
gerous times  than  any  remote  plantation."  "  All  your 
kinsfolk  and  most  understanding  friends  will  more  rejoice 
at  your  staying  at  home,  with  any  condition  which  God 
shall  send,  than  to  throw  yourself  upon  vain  hopes,  with 
many  difiiculties  and  uncertainties."  "  Plantations  are 
for  young  men,  that  can  endure  all  pains  and  hunger." 
"  How  hard  will  it  be  for  one  brought  up  among  books 
and  learned  men  to  live  in  a  barbarous  place,  where  is 
no  learning  and  less  ci^ihty !  "  -^ 


•1  We  have  modernized  the  spelling  of  these  quotations,  though  we  leave  the  letter 
itself  in  its  original  form. 


42 


330  LITE   AND   LETTEES 


Robert  Ryece  to  John  Winthrop} 

"  To  the  Woorsliipfull  his  moche  respected  good  friende  Mr.  "Wynthrop 
at  Burj,  geve  these. 

"  giR^ — Were  I  able  to  ryde  so  farre,  I  woolde  wyllingly 
haue  attended  you  this  daye,  not  for  the  leaste  abyllytie  of  any 
service  which  I  can  performe,  but  to  shewe  the  beste  of  my 
aifection  to  so  deservinge  a  good  friende.  fFor  the  subiecte  you 
wrytte  of,  breefely  &  playnelye  to  shewe  you  my  mynde,  what 
so  ever  other  saye,  I  pray  you  geve  mee  leave  in  one  woorde  to 
shewe  you.  The  Church  &  Common  welthe  heere  at  home, 
hathe  more  neede  of  your  beste  abyllytie  in  these  dangerous 
tymes,  then  any  remote  plantation,  which  may  be  performed  by 
persons  of  lesser  woorthe  &  apprehension,  which  I  coolde 
shewe,  yf  I  had  tyme  to  thinke  vpon  dyversities  of  reasons 
which  mighte  be  produced.  Agayne,  your  owne  estate  wylbe 
more  secured  in  the  myddest  of  all  accidents  heere  at  home, 
then  in  this  forreine  expedition,  which  discovereth  a  1000  shlp- 
wrackes  wliich  may  betyde.  All  your  kynsfolkes  &  moste 
vnderstandinge  friendes  wyll  more  reloyce  at  your  stayenge  at 
home,  with  any  condition  which  God  shall  sende,  then  to  thro  we 
your  selfe  vpon  vayne  hopes,  with  many  difficulties  &  vncertayn- 
ties.  Agayne,  you  shalbe  more  acceptable  in  the  service  of 
the  Hieste,  &  more  vnder  His  protection  whiles  you  walke 
charely  in  your  vocation  heere  at  home,  then  to  goe  owte  of 
your  vocation,  comyttinge  your  selfe  to  a  woorlde  of  dangers 
abroade.  The  pype  goeth  sweete,  tyll  the  byrde  be  in  the 
nett ;  many  bewtifull  hopes  ar  sett  before  your  eyes  to  allewer 
you  to  danger.  Plantations  ar  for  yonge  men,  that  can  enduer 
all  paynes  &  hunger.  Yf  in  your  yewthe  you  had  byn  ac- 
quaynted  with  navigation,  you  mighte  haue  promised  your  selfe 
more  hope  in  this  longe  vyadge,  but  for  one  of  your  yeeres  to 

1  This  letter  is  printed  in  the  sixth  volume,  Fourth  Series,  Massachusetts  Historical 
Collections,  pp.  392-393,  for  which  it  was  famished  in  advance  of  the  publication  of  the 
present  volume. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  331 

mdertake  so  large  a  taske  is  seldome  scene  but  to  miscarry. 
To  adventure  your  wholle  famylly  vpon  so  many  manifesto 
vncerteynties  standeth  not  with  your  wysdome  &  longe  experi- 
ence. Lett  yonger  y ceres  take  this  charge  vpon  them,  wath  the 
advyse  of  that  which  elder  y ceres  shall  directe  them  vnto,  the 
losse  shalbe  the  lesse  yf  thay  myscarry ;  but  there  honor  shalbe 
the  more  if  thay  prosper.  So  longe  as  you  sytt  at  the  helme, 
your  famylie  prospereth,  but  yf  you  shook!  happen  to  fayle, 
your  flocke  woolde  be  at  the  leaste  in  hazarde,  if  not  totally  to 
myscarrye.  Yonge  mens  dii-ections  thowghe  sometymes  with 
some  successe,  do  not  all  wayes  succeede.  These  remote  partes 
will  not  well  agree  with  your  yeeres  ;  whiles  you  are  heere  you 
wyll  be  ever  fytter  by  your  vnderstandinge  &  wysdome  to  sup- 
plye  there  necessities.  But  if  it  shoolde  happen  that  you 
shoolde  gett  safely  thither,  you  shall  soone  fynde,  how  neces- 
sitie  wyll  calle  for  supplie  from  these  partes.  I  j)ray  you 
pardon  my  boldnes,  that  had  rather  erre  in  what  I  tliinke,  then 
to  be  sylente  in  that  I  shoolde  speake.  How  harde  wyll  it  bee 
for  one  browghte  vp  amonge  boockes  &  learned  men,  to  lyve 
in  a  barbarous  place,  where  is  no  learnynge  &  lesse  cyvillytie. 
I  beseeche  the  Lorde  to  du-ecte  you,  &  to  keepe  you  in  all  your 
wayes.  Thus  in  haste  with  the  beste  remembrance  of  my  true 
affection  vnto  you,  I  leave  you  to  the  protection  of  the  A11- 
mightye  and  do  reste 

"  Yours  ever  in  all  true  affection 

"  EoBT.  Eyece. 
•'Preston,  this  12  of  Auguste,  1629." 

This  letter,  it  will  be  observed,  bears  date  only  a  fort- 
night before  the  memorable  Agreement  at  Cambridge, 
to  which  we  have  just  referred.  It  was  midoubtedly 
^vritten  in  reply  to  an  invitation  to  attend  a  previous 
meeting  at  Bury  St.  Edmond's  for  consultation  upon  the 
same  subject.  Certainly,  if  John  Winthrop  made  any 
mistake  in  conung  over  to  New  England,  the  old  Suffolk 


332  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

antiquary  stands  fully  acquitted  of  not  having  given  him 
seasonable  and  abundant  warning  of  the  error  he  was 
about  to  commit.  Nor  can  we  altogether  wonder  at  the 
counsel  which  he  gave,  or  at  the  opinions  which  he 
expressed.  A  grave  and  prudent  person,  as  Robert 
Ryece  seems  to  have  been,  would  hardly  have  taken  the 
responsibility  of  advising  a  man  of  Winthrop's  age  and 
standing  to  pluck  up  his  stakes  so  summarily  in  his  own 
land,  with  a  view  of  planting  them  again  in  a  remote 
and  desolate  wilderness.  And  even  we,  at  this  day, 
might  regard  it  as  having  been  a  step  of  more  than 
doubtful  wisdom,  did  we  not  keep  always  in  view  the 
motives  by  which  it  was  induced,  and  the  results  by 
which  it  was  followed. 


OF   JOHN   WmTHROP.  333 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

DOMESTIC  CORRESPONDENCE.  WINTHROP  CHOSEN  GOVERNOR  OF 
THE  MASSACHUSETTS  COMPANY.  THE  CIRCUMSTANCES  AND 
CHARACTER    OF    THAT    ELECTION. 

The  earnestness  and  zeal  with  which  the  elder  Winthrop 
devoted  himself  to  the  New-England  enterprise,  after  he 
had  once  embarked  in  it,  are  abundantly  manifested  by 
his  letters  at  this  period,  and  by  those  of  his  wife  and 
children.  He  was  in  London  dming  a  large  part  of  the 
month  of  October,  1629,  busUy  occupied  in  the  service 
of  the  Massachusetts  Company ;  and  he  had  little  leisure 
for  writing  to  any  one.  But  his  brevity  is  full  of  signi- 
ficance ;  and  whatever  he  enlarges  upon  has  a  special 
interest  and  importance. 

We  give  eight  letters  in  the  present  chapter,  six  of 
them  new,  as  introductory  to  a  consideration  of  Win- 
throp's  peculiar  relations  to  the  great  cause  to  which  his 
life  and  fortunes  were  now  so  solemnly  consecrated.  One 
of  the  letters  is  from  his  son  John,  and  another  from  his 
wife.  The  others  are  his  own ;  and  the  last  but  one  of 
them  contains  a  modest  and  parenthetical  allusion  to  an 
important  event,  which  had  occurred  on  the  very  day  on 
which  the  letter  was  written.  No  letter  in  our  collection 
—  none,  certainly,  among  those  which  have  recently  come 
to  hght — would  have  been  less  willingly  spared  from  the 
personal  memoirs  or  the  pubhc  history  of  its  writer. 


334  LITE   AND    LETTEES 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 


"  My  dear  Wife,  —  I  praise  the  Lord  that  I  hear  of  thy  wel- 
fare, and  of  the  rest  of  our  family.  I  thank  thee  for  thy  most 
kind  letter,  and  especially  that  sweet  affection,  from  whence  it 
flows.  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  come  down  to  thee,  as  I  hoped ; 
but  there  is  no  remedy.  The  Lord  sodisposeth  as  I  must  stay 
yet  (I  doubt)  a  fortnight,  but,  assure  thyself,  not  one  day  more 
than  I  must  needs. 

"I  pray  thee  have  patience.  God,  in  his  due  time,  will 
bring  us  together  in  peace.  We  are  now  agreed  with  the  mer- 
chants, and  stay  only  to  settle  our  affairs.  I  have  not  one 
quarter  of  an  hour's  time  to  write  to  thee.  Therefore  thou 
must  bear  with  me,  and  supply  all  defects  of  remembrances. 
The  Lord  bless  thee,  my  sweet  wife,  and  all  ours.  Farewell. 
"  Thy  faithful  husband, 

"Jo.  WiNTHROP. 

"  Send  not  up  my  horses  till  I  send  for  them. 
"October." 

John  Winthrop,  Jr.,  to  his  Father. 

"Sir, — My  humble  duty  remembred,  hoping  that  you  are 
in  health,  as  God  be  thanked  wee  are  all  heere  at  this  present. 
I  thought  I  should  have  come  to  you  to  London  on  Saturday 
next,  but  because  you  Avrote  at  the  end  of  your  letter  to  my 
mother  that  I  should  not  need  come  till  tuesday,  I  purpose  to 
stay  till  then ;  but  we  did  not  well  understand  whether  my 
brother  Forth  should  need  come  up  w*^  us  to  come  downe  w**" 
my  aunt  Fones,  w'^''  you  may  please  to  certify  my  mother  of 
w*^  your  next  letters.  I  understand  that  my  brt)ther  [Henry] 
doth  meane  to  returne  from  the  Barbathoes  w^'^  the  first  occa- 
tion,  &  then  to  goe  w*  his  wife  into  New  England.  If  he 
returne  so  soone,  his  voyage  will  but  gaine  him  expenses  &  bee 
to  noe  purpose  when  he  hath  done  for  :  except  hee  will  contmue 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  335 

there, ^  (w'^^  I  thinke  would  be  the  ruine  of  his  soule  to  live 
an\ong  such  company),  he  must  be  forced  to  trust  some  frend 
at  his  returne,  av*^*^  he  may  doe  as  well  now,  &  ma^  make  his 
estate  as  sure  as  any  other  merchants  that  are  forced  to  com- 
mit all  to  others  trust.  Besides  he  may  this  winter  sell  his 
land  &  make  provitions  to  goe  w"^  you  in  the  Spring,  or  at  least 
to  sende  some  stocke  over,  if  my  sister  should  not  be  ready  to 
goe  so  soone.  Therefore  I  pray  S"",  if  you  see  it  fitting,  coun- 
sell  him  to  stay,  or  if  my  counsell  hath  prevailed  w"^  him,  be 
pleased  to  approve  thereof.  So  desiring  your  praiers  &  bless- 
ing I  humbly  take  my  leave  &  rest 

"  Your  obedient  sonne 

"John  Winthrop. 

"Gkoton.  Oct:  5:   1629. 

"  I  pray  remember  my  duty  &  love  to  my  uncles  &  aunts, 
w**^  my  love  to  my  cozens.  My  sister  Winthrop  ^  &  my  bro- 
thers &  sister  remember  their  duty  to  you. 

"I  suppose  if  you  please  he  may  keepe  it  private." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 
"  [To]  his  loving  Son,  John  Winthrop,  at  Groton,  vSuffolk. 

"  Son,  —  I  received  your  letter,  and  do  heartily  bless  the 
Lord  for  the  continuance  of  your  welfare,  beseeching  him  to 
sanctify  you  more  and  more,  for  his  glory  and  your  own  salva- 
tion. 

"  For  the  business  you  write  of  concerning  your  brother,  I 
have  conferred  Avith  him,  and  shall  be  as  glad  as  any  of  his  stay 
here,  if  he  can  take  any  good  order  for  his  estate  there.  What 
he  will  do,  I  know  not  yet ;  but  I  think  he  will  be  with  you 
soon.  I  would  gladly  have  you  here  betimes  next  week ;  but, 
being  it  will  be  Monday  sennight  before  we  shall  get  forth  of 


1  At  "the  Barbathoes." 

2  This  was  the  wife  of  Henry,  to  whom  the  suggestions  in  the  letter  had  reference. 


336  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

town,  it  will  be  chargeable  to  keep  all  tbe  horses  here  so  lono*. 
Therefore,  if  jou  can  find  any  company  to  come  up  with,  you 
may  be  here  on  Tuesday  or  Wednesday ;  otherwise,  you  may 
stay  a  day  or  two  the  longer,  and  let  John  come  with  you  ;  for 
I  would  not  have  you  ride  alone.  I  have  sent  down  all  the  late 
news  from  New  England.  I  would  have  some  of  you  read  it 
to  your  mother,  and  let  Forth  copy  out  the  observations  and  all 
that  follows  from  the  ^)3^,  and  the  letter  in  the  end,  and  show 
it  to  Mr.  Mott  and  others,  that  intend  this  voyage.'  Your 
uncle  and  aunts  are  all  in  health,  and  salute  you  and  the  rest  of 
ours,  etc.  Commend  me  to  your  uncle  G.  and  A  :  and  all  the 
rest  of  our  loving  friends,  that  ask  of  me.  So,  with  my  love 
and  blessing  to  yourself,  your  brothers  and  sister,  salutations  to 
our  young  company,  I  end,  and  rest 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  Jo.  WmTHROP. 

"October  9,  1629." 

John  Winihrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  OcTOB.  9  :  1629. 

"My  Sweet  Wife, — We  heare  yet  of  no  lettres  from 
Groton,  w'^'^  makes  us  to  mervaile,  &  we  shall  longe  to  heare 
how  you  all  doe.  I  prayse  God  we  are  all  heere  in  health,  but 
we  are  not  like  to  gett  out  of  towne  before  mundaye  seiiight : 
I  wish  my  sonne  John  were  heere  before  but  that  it  wilbe  verye 
chargeable  to  keepe  horses  so  longe  in  towne ;  but  if  he  can 
light  upon  any  good  company,  he  maye  come  on  mundaye  or 
teusday  next,  &  John  may  bringe  up  the  other  horses  on  Sater- 
daye. 

"  I  sende  thee  herew**^  some  papers  concerninge  N  :  E  :  when 
thou  lookest  upon  them,  thou  wilt  beare  w*^  the  brevitye  of  my 
lettres  :  I  would  have  Forth  reade  the  booke  to  thee  :  for  the 
loose  papers  let  him  vn-ite  them  out  better,  &  then  reade  them. 

1  Mr.  Savage,  in  the  Appendix  to  Winthrop's  History  of  New  England,  from  which 
the  letter  is  taken,  says  that  this  probably  refers  to  the  letters  received  a  few  days  before 
from  Higginson.  —  See  Young's  Chron.  of  Mass.,  235,  et  seq. 


or   JOHN  WENTHKOP.  337 

I  would  have  him  copye  out  so  much  of  that  in  the  booke,  as 
is  from  the  hande  in  the  l_bl(mJc^  leafe  to  the  ende,  &  shewe  it 
to  Mr.  Mott,  my  neighbo''  Childe  &  others  that  have  a  minde  to 
N :  E  :  especially  that  gratious  lettre  in  the  ende  :  w*^'^  I  w^ish 
thee  &  the  rest  to  reade  seariously  over.^ 

"  This  morninge  I  received  thy  sweet  lettre  ;  I  heartyly  blesse 
o""  good  God  for  the  wellfare  of  thy  selfe  &  all  o""  familye,  &  doe 
much  reioyce  in  thy  love  :  I  shalbe  as  loth  to  leave  my  kinde 
wife  behinde  me,  as  she  wilbe  to  staye ;  but  we  must  leave  all 
to  the  Lords  good  providence.  I  send  downe  by  Jervais  two 
peeces  of  Lokerum,  26  :  elles  of  one  peece,  &  18  :  of  the  other, 
cloth  for  a  sute  &  Cloake  for  Forth  :  &  for  a  night  gowne  for 
thy  selfe,  w*''  bookes  for  the  children.  Lett  me  knowe  what 
triminge  I  shall  sende  for  thy  gowne. 

"  My  Sonne  Hen  :  wilbe  at  Groton  soone  ;  he  is  like  to  putt 
of  his  business  in  Barbethe^  &  staye  to  goe  to  N :  E  :  the  occa- 
sio  comes  from  my  sonne  John,  as  by  this  lettre  I  send  you  may 
appeare.  The  good  Lo  :  dispose  all  for  the  best  in  his  rich 
mercye.  The  Lord  blesse  thee  (my  sweet  wife)  &  all  o''  chil- 
dren &  familye.  My  brother  &  sister  salute  thee,  &  all  thy 
Companye.     Farewell  my  good  wife, 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  "  J :  W  :  " 

Margaret  Wintkrop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  deare  Husband, — I  received  thy  sweet  and  most 
welcome  letter  very  late  this  munday  night,  and  doe  blesse  God 
for  thy  helth  and  welfayre.     I  have  hearde  reade  the  Nuse  from 


1  This  letter  to  his  wife,  it  will  be  observed,  bears  the  same  date  with  the  letter  to 
his  son  which  precedes  it;  and  they  allude  to  the  same  "  news  from  Xew  England,"  and 
to  the  same  "  papers  concerning  N :  E :  "  In  the  footnote  to  the  former  letter,  we  have 
referred  to  the  opinions  of  Mr.  Savage  and  Dr.  Young,  as  to  what  these  papers  were. 
We  were  at  first  not  entirely  without  misgivings,  that  the  "Observations"  to  be 
copied  by  Forth  were  those  which  were  given  in  full  in  our  last  chapter :  yet  the  rough 
draught  of  a  large  part  of  that  paper,  in  the  Governor's  own  hand,  indorsed  "  May, 
1629,"  would  seem  inconsistent  with  such  an  idea;  and  we  only  allude  to  it  to  prove 
that  it  has  not  been  dismissed  without  consideration. 

43 


338  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

N :  E  :  and  much  reioyce  in  It,  the  good  Lord  still  continue 
his  mercy  to  that  plantation,  and  blesse  us  in  our  intended  pur- 
pose that  way.  We  see  how  the  Lord  giveth  us  his  warent  and 
daly  incoragement  that  way ;  wee  may  I  hope  trust  him  for  a 
blessinge  upon  us  and  ours  :  For  my  sonne  H.  his  stay  from 
Barbatus,  if  his  pretence  be  good,  it  had  bin  pittye  he  should 
have  gon  to  have  indangered  the  good  of  his  soule,  by  beinge 
partaker  of  the  sines  of  the  rest  of  that  wicked  Company  :  the 
Lord  I  hope  hath  rowght  some  good  worke  in  him,  which  I  be- 
seech  him  to  confirme  in  his  due  tyme  ;  I  have  read  my  daugh- 
ters good  letter  to  him,  and  shall  love  hir  the  better  whilst  I 
live.  It  is  now  late  and  bed  time  and  I  must  bid  thee  good 
night  before  I  am  wilinge,  for  I  could  finde  in  my  hart  to  sit  and 
talke  with  thee  all  night.  Though  I  am  a  bad  wacher,  I  could 
wel  spare  a  nights  sleepe  to  doe  any  thinge  for  thee.  I  wish 
my  sister  F.  ware  at  home,  for  Mary  is  sick  and  I  feare  it  will 
prove  the  smale  poxe  or  mesels  or  such  like  ;  if  she  should  doe 
otherwise  then  well  in  hir  mothers  abcence,  it  would  be  a  great 
grefe  to  me,  but  I  leave  to  y"""  decrecion  whether  you  will  tell 
liir  of  it  or  no,  and  so  I  bid  thee  farewell :  the  Lord  keepe  thee 

"  thy  unworthy  wife  "  M.  W. 

"  I  have  not  yet  received  the  things  you  sent,  when  I  see  the 
cloth  I  will  send  word  what  triminge  will  serve.  I  hope  you 
shall  not  nede  to  tell  my  sister  Fones  of  M.  sicknesse,  it  will 
prove  but  the  meseles  at  the  most." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  his  verye  lovinge  Wife  Mrs.  Wintbrop,  the  elder  at  Groton,  Suff. 

"My  deare  Wife, — I  received  thy  sweet  lettres  w'^'^  were 
most  welcome  to  me,  &  I  doe  heartyly  blesse  the  Lorde  for  thy 
wellfare.  I  am  so  exceedingly  streightened  in  tyme,  as  I  caiiot 
write  to  thee  w*^  any  content ;  I  have  been  all  this  daye  till  8  : 
of  the  clocke  tliis  eveninge  abroad  about  businesse,  &  yet  have 


OF   JOHN   ^VINTHROP.  330 

dispatched  but  little  :  ^  therefore  let  not  John  come  up  w*''  the 
horses  till  Saterday  next,  for  It  wllbe  mundaye  seiilght  before  I 
can  come  out  of  tOAvne,  or  my  sister  Fones  :  she  is  well  w*^  the 
rest  of  o""  freinds  &  company  heere,  who  all  desire  to  be  re- 
membered to  thee  &  the  rest  of  o*"  companye.  The  good  Lorde 
blesse  thee  &  keepe  thee  &  all  o"  :  so  w*^  my  best  affections  to 
my  most  sweet  wife,  my  love  to  my  daughter,  my  blesslnge 
to  all  o''  children  &  salut^  to  the  rest  &  to  all  o""  freinds,  I 
comende  thee  to  the  Lorde  &  rest 

"  thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"  OcTO :  15.  1629. 

"We  received  the  Boxe  <fec,  for  w'^^  we  thanke  thee." 


John  JVi7ithrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  verye  lovinge  Wife,  M"  Winthrop  the  elder  at  Gi-oton,  Suffk 

"My  deare  Wefe,  — I  am  verye  sorye  that  I  am  forced  to 
feed  thee  w*^  lettres,  when  my  presence  is  thy  due,  &  so  much 
desired :  but  my  trust  is,  that  he  who  hath  so  disposed  of  it, 
will  supply  thee  w*^  patience,  &  better  comforte  in  the  Avant  of 
him  whom  thou  so  much  desirest :  The  Lord  is  able  to  doe 
this,  &  thou  mayst  expect  It,  for  he  hath  promised  It.  Seelnge 
he  calls  me  into,  lils  worke,  he  will  have  care  of  thee  &  all  o^^  & 
o'  affaires  in  my  absence  :  therefore  I  must  sonde  thee  to  him, 
for  all  thou  lackest :  goe  boldly  (sweet  wife)  to  the  throne  of 
Grace  ;  if  anythinge  trouble  thee,  acqualnte  the  Lord  w***  It ; 
tell  him,  he  hath  taken  thy  husband  from  thee,  pray  him  to  be 
a  husband  to  thee,  a  father  to  thy  children,  a  master  to  thy 
householde,  thou  shall  finde  him  faithfull :  thou  art  not  guilty 
of  my  departure,  thou  hast  not  driven  me  awaye  by  any  unklnd- 
nesse,  or  want  of  dutye,  therefore  thou  mayst  challenge  pro- 
tection &  blesslng-e  of  him. 


1  The  Records  of  the  JIassachusetts  Company  show  that  there  was  a  General  Court 
held  this  day,  at  which  Winthrop  was  present. 


340  LITE    AND    LETTERS 

"I  prayse  the  Lorde  I  am  in  health  &  cheerful!  in  my  course, 
wherein  I  find  God  gratiously  present,  so  as  we  expect,  he 
wilbe  pleased  to  direct  &  prosper  us.  We  have  great  advan- 
tage because  we  have  many  prayers. 

"  Bee  not  discouraged  (deare  heart)  though  I  sett  thee  no 
tyme  of  my  returne ;  I  hope  it  shall  not  be  longe,  &  I  will 
make  no  more  staye  then  I  needs  must. 

"  So  it  is  that  it  hath  pleased  the  Lorde  to  call  me  to  a  fur- 
ther trust  in  this  businesse  of  the  Plantation,  then  either  I  ex- 
pected or  finde  myselfe  fitt  for,  (beinge  chosen  by  the  Company 
to  be  their  Governor) .  The  onely  tliinge  that  I  have  comforte 
of  in  it  is,  that  heerby  I  have  assurance  that  my  charge  is  of 
the  Lorde  &  that  he  hath  called  me  to  this  worke  :  O  that  he 
would  give  me  an  heart  now  to  answeare  his  goodnesse  to  me, 
&  the  expectation  of  his  people  !  I  never  had  more  need  of 
prayers,  helpe  me  (deare  wife)  &  lett  us  sett  o""  hearts  to  seeke 
the  Lorde,  &  cleave  to  him  sincearly. 

"  My  brother  &  sisters  salute  you  all :  my  sonne  remembers 
his  dutye  to  thee,  &  salutations  to  all  the  rest.  Cornende  me 
kindly  to  all  o""  freinds  at  Groton  hall,  &  to  M"^  Leigh  &  his 
wife,  my  neighbo''  Cole  &  his  wife,  o'  freinds  at  Castleins  &  all 
that  love  us.  So  the  Lorde  blesse  thee  &  all  o""  children  &  com- 
panye.      So  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest 

"  thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Wintheop. 

"  OcTOB :  20  1629. 

"  I  would  faine  knowe  if  thou  shalt  be  like  to  goe  w*  me,  for 
thou  shalt  never  have  so  good  opportunity.  Let  John  enq'^  out 
2  :  or  3  :  Carpenters  :  &  knowe  how  many  of  o'  neighbo""^  will 
goe,  that  we  may  provide  shipps  for  them." 

John  Winihrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  his  verye  lovinge  wife  M"  Winthrop  the  elder  at  her  house  in 

Groton,  Suff. 

"My  deare  Wife, — I  received  thy  most  kinde  letter,  & 
doe  blesse  our  good  God  for  his  gratious  protection  over  thee 


OF    JOHN   -WINTHROP.  ,  341 

&  all  our  Famllye,  beinge  much  incouraged  by  the  day  lye 
experience  of  his  goodnesse  &  providence,  that  he  will  continue 
to  be  our  God  to  the  ende,  &  will  carry e  us  safe  through  all  the 
difficultyes  &  dangers  we  may  meet  with  in  this  enterprise.  I 
blesse  his  holy  name,  I  Avas  never  in  better  health  then  at  this 
tyme,  &  my  minde  now  well  setled ;  I  wante  only  a  thankful! 
heart  for  so  great  favour.  All  in  this  family e  are  in  health 
also,  &  desire  to  be  kindly  remembered,  viz  :  my  brother  & 
sisters,  to  thy  selfe  &  all  with  thee  :  my  sonne  John  remembers 
his  love  &  dutye  etc :  Let  John  be  heer  with  the  horses  on 
thursdaye,  that  my  sister  Fones  &  I  may  be  at  home  on  Sater- 
day  through  Gods  assistance.  My  sister  would  have  her  cloke 
&  faurgard  sent  up.  I  have  no  leysure  to  looke  after  newes  : 
neither  can  I  doe  any  thinge  for  Crabbe,  my  sonne  beinge  gone 
home  :  So  hoping  to  see  thee  shortly,  to  be  refreshed  with  the 
sweet  comfort  of  thy  wished  presence,  I  commend  thee  &  all 
our  cliildren  &  family  to  the  blessinge  &  protection  of  the  Lord 
&  rest  "  Thy  faithfull  husbande 

"  Jo  :    WiNTHROP. 
"Octob:  22.  1629. 

"Commend  me  to  all  our  freindes  etc." 

And  now,  while  Winthrop  is  once  more  at  Groton, 
seeking  rest  and  refreshment  from  the  cares  and  labors 
which  the  business  of  New  England  has  brought  upon 
him ;  and  while  he  is  taking  sweet  counsel,  not  unmin- 
gled  with  sadness,  with  the  faithful  Margaret,  as  to  the 
hopes  and  fears  of  thek  future  pilgrimage,  —  we  may 
find  an  opportunity  to  consider  the  chcumstances  and 
character  of  the  office  to  which  he  has  just  been  elected. 
"  So  it  is,"  says  he  in  his  letter  of  Oct.  20,  "  that  it  hath 
pleased  the  Lord  to  call  me  to  a  further  trust  in  this  busi- 
ness of  the  Plantation,  than  either  I  expected  or  find 
myself  fit  for,  —  being  chosen  by  the   Company  to   be 


342  LITE    AND   LETTEES 

their  Governor."  It  will  be  interesting  to  examine  briefly 
into  the  nature  of  this  public  capacity,  in  which  Win- 
throp  was  about  to  embark  for  America. 

At  "  a  General  Court,  holden  for  the  Company  of  the 
Mattachusetts  Bay  in  New  England  at  Mr.  Deputy's 
house,^  on  Tuesday,  the  28th  of  July,  1629,"  after  other 
business  had  been  disposed  of,  Matthew  Cradock,  the 
Governor  of  the  Company,  "  read  certain  propositions 
conceived  by  himself;  viz.,  that  for  the  advancement  of 
the  plantation,  the  inducing  and  encouraging  persons 
of  worth  and  quality  to  transplant  themselves  and  fami- 
lies thither,  and  for  other  weighty  reasons  therein  con- 
tained, to  transfer  the  government  of  the  plantation  to 
those  that  shall  inhabit  there,  and  not  to  continue  the 
same  in  subordination  to  the  Company  here,  as  it  now 
is." 

In  this  not  altogether  grammatical,  but  entirely  intelli- 
gible paragraph,  from  the  original  Eecords  of  the  Gover- 
nor and  Company  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  is  found  the 
first  authentic  suggestion  of  the  memorable  movement, 
at  the  head  of  which  John  Winthrop  came  over  to 
America. 

The  language  of  the  paragraph  sets  forth,  clearly  and 
exactly,  the  existing  condition  of  things  in  the  Plantation, 
and  the  radical  and  almost  revolutionary  change  which 
was  contemplated.  The  Government  then  existing  in 
New  England  is  styled  a  Government  "  in  subordination 
to  the  Company  here ; "  namely,  in  London.     It  is  pro- 

1  The  Deputy  was  Thomas  Goffe. 


OF  JOHN.  WmTHROP.  343 

posed,  that  this  Government  shall  no  longer  be  "  con- 
tinued" "  as  it  now  is,"  but  that  it  shall  be  "  transferred 
to  those  that  shall  inhabit  there." 

The  proposition  of  Gov.  Cradock  was  altogether  too 
important  to  be  acted  upon  immediately.  "  It  occa- 
sioned," as  the  Records  uiform  us,  "  some  debate  ;  but,  by 
reason  of  the  many  great  and  considerable  consequences 
thereupon  depending,  it  was  not  now  resolved  upon." 
The  members  of  the  Company  who  were  present  at  the 
meeting  were  deshed  to  consider  of  it  "  privately  and 
seriously,"  "  and  to  set  down  their  particular  reasons  in 
writuig,  jwo  et  contra ;  and  to  produce  the  same  at  the 
next  General  Coui't ;  where,  they  being  reduced  to  heads 
and  maturely  considered  of,  the  Company  may  then  pro- 
ceed to  a  final  resolution  thereon :  and,  in  the  mean  time, 
they  are  deshed  to  can*}'  this  business  secretly,  that  the 
same  be  not  di^ailged."  This  suggestion  of  private  and 
serious  consideration  ;  this  demand  for  particular  reasons 
on  both  sides,  set  down  in  writing ;  this  solemn  mjunc- 
tion  of  secrecy,  —  all  hidicate  sufficiently  that  the  Com- 
pany were  not  ignorant  how  important  and  how  bold  a 
step  their  Governor  had  submitted  to  them.  It  was  no 
mere  measure  of  emigration  or  colonization.  It  was  a 
measure  of  government,  of  self-government,  of  virtual 
independence ;  and  its  adoption  clearly  foreshadowed 
that  spuit  of  impatience  under  foreign  control,  which,  at 
a  later  day,  was  to  pervade  not  only  the  Colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  but  the  whole  American  continent. 

The  General  Court  of  the  Company  now  adjomiied,  'as 
usual,  for  a  month.  They  met  again  to  consider  this 
momentous  proposition,  on  the  28th  day  of  August,  1629  ; 


344  LITE    AJSTD   EETTERS 

but  the  interval  had  not  been  unimproved  by  those  who 
desired  to  have  it  wisely  and  rightly  decided.  It  had 
cost  them,  we  may  well  believe,  many  an  anxious  hour 
of  deliberation  and  consultation ;  and,  two  days  only 
before  the  meeting  of  the  Court,  an  agreement  had  been 
finally  drawn  up  and  subscribed,  which  undoubtedly  set- 
tled the  whole  question. 

This  agreement  (to  which  we  have  more  than  once 
referred  already)  was  entered  into  and  executed  at  Cam- 
bridge, beneath  the  shadows,  and  perhaps  within  the 
very  walls,  of  that  venerable  University,  to  which  New 
England  was  destined  to  owe  so  many  of  her  brightest 
luminaries  and  noblest  benefactors.  It  bore  date  Aug.  26, 
1629  ;  and  was  in  the  following  words :  — 

The  Agreement  at  Cambridge. 

"  Upon  due  consideration  of  the  state  of  the  Plantation  now 
in  hand  for  New  England,  wherein  we,  whose  names  are  here- 
unto subscribed,  have  engaged  ourselves,  and  having  weighed 
the  greatness  of  the  work  in  regard  of  the  consequence,  God's 
glory  and  the  Church's  good ;  as  also  in  regard  of  the  dlffi- 
cidties  and  discouragements  which  In  all  probabilities  must  be 
forecast  upon  the  prosecution  of  this  business  ;  considering 
withal  that  this  whole  adventure  grows  upon  the  joint  confidence 
we  have  in  each  other's  fidelity  and  resolution  herein,  so  as  no 
man  of  us  would  have  adventured  it  without  assurance  of  the 
rest ;  now,  for  the  better  encouragement  of  ourselves  and  others 
that  shall  join  with  us  In  this  action,  and  to  the  end  that  every 
man  may  without  scruple  dispose  of  his  estate  and  aflPaIrs  as 
may  best  fit  his  preparation  for  this  voyage ;  it  Is  fully  and 
faithfully  Agreed  amongst  us,  and  every  one  of  us  doth  hereby 
freely  and  sincerely  promise  and  bind  himself,  in  the  word  of  a 
Christian,  and  in  the  presence  of  God,  who  is  the  searcher  of 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  345 

all  hearts,  that  we  will  so  really  endeavour  the  prosecution 
of  this  work,  as  by  God's  assistance,  we  will  be  ready  in  our 
persons,  and  with  such  of  our  several  families  as  are  to  go  with 
us,  and  such  provision  as  we  are  able  conveniently  to  furnish 
ourselves  withal,  to  embark  for  the  said  Plantation  by  the  first 
of  ]Marcli  next,  at  such  port  or  ports  of  this  land  as  shall  be 
agreed  upon  by  the  Company,  to  the  end  to  pass  the  Seas, 
(under  God's  protection,)  to  inhabit  and  continue  in  New- 
England  :  Provided  always,  that  before  the  last  of  September 
next,  the  whole  Government,  together  with  the  patent  for  the 
said  Plantation,  be  first,  by  an  order  of  Court,  legally  trans- 
ferred and  established  to  remain  with  us  and  others  which  shall 
inhabit  upon  the  said  Plantation ;  and  provided,  also,  that  if 
any  shall  be  hindered  by  such  just  and  Inevitable  let  or  other 
cause,  to  be  allowed  by  three  parts  of  four  of  these  whose 
names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  then  such  persons,  for  such 
times  and  during  such  lets,  to  be  discharged  of  this  bond.  And 
we  do  further  promise,  every  one  for  himself,  that  shall  fail  to 
be  ready  through  his  own  default  by  the  day  appointed,  to  pay 
for  every  day's  default  the  sum  of  £3,  to  the  use  of  the  rest  of 
the  company  who  shall  be  ready  by  the  same  day  and  time. 

"  (Signed)         Richard  Saltonstall,  Thomas  Sharpe, 

Thomas  Dudley,  Increase  Nowell, 

"William  Vassall,  John  Winthrop, 

Nicholas  West,  William  Pinchon, 

Isaac  Johnson,  Kellam  Browne, 

John  Humfret,  William  Colbron." 

The  leading  proviso  of  this  memorable  agreement  must 
not  fail  to  be  noted :  — 

"Provided  always,  that  before  the  last  of  September  next, 
the  whole  Government,  together  with  the  patent  for  the  said 
Plantation,  be  first,  by  an  order  of  Court,  legally  transferred 
and  established  to  remain  with  us  and  others  which  shall  inhabit 
upon  the  said  Plantation." 

44 


346  LIFE   AND  LETTEES 

This  was  the  great  condition  upon  which  Saltonstall 
and  Dudley  and  Johnson  and  Wiuthrop  and  the  rest 
agreed  "  to  pass  the  Seas  (under  God's  protection),  to 
inhabit  and  continue  in.  New  England." 

They  were  not  proposing  to  go  to  New  England  as 
adventurers  or  traffickers  ;  not  for  the  profits  of  a  voyage, 
or  the  pleasure  of  a  visit ;  but  "  to  mhabit  and  contiuue  " 
there.  And  they  were  unwilhng  to  do  this  while  any 
merely  subordinate  jurisdiction  was  to  be  exercised  there, 
and  while  they  would  be  obliged  to  look  to  a  Governor  and 
Company  in  London  for  supreme  authority.  They  were 
resolved  to  carry  "  the  whole  Government "  with  them. 

Accordingly,  at  the  meeting  of  the  General  Court  on 
the  28th  of  August  (two  days  after  this  agreement  was 
executed),  JNir.  Deputy,  in  the  Governor's  absence, 
acquamted  the  Court  "  that  the  especial  cause  of  their 
meeting  was  to  give  answer  to  divers  gentlemen,  intend- 
ing to  go  mto  New  England,  whether  or  no  the  chief 
government  of  the  Plantation,  together  with  the  patent, 
should  be  settled  in  New  England,  or  here."  Two  Com- 
mittees were  thereupon  appointed  to  prepare  arguments, 
the  one  '^for "  and  the  other  "  against "  "  the  settling 
of  the  chief  government  in  New  England,"  with  instruc- 
tions to  meet  together  the  next  morning,  at  seven  of  the 
clock,  to  confer  and  weigh  each  other's  arguments,  and 
afterwards  to  make  report  to  the  whole  Company.  On 
the  next  morning,  at  the  early  hour  which  had  been 
appointed,  the  committees  met  together,  and  debated 
thek  arguments  and  reasons  on  both  sides  ;  and,  after  a 
long  discussion  in  presence  of  the  Company,  Mr.  Deputy 
put  it  to  the  question  as  foUoweth :  — 


OF  JOim  WINTHROP.  347 

"  As  many  of  you  as  desire  to  have  the  patent  and  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  Plantation  to  be  transferred  to  New  England, 
so  as  it  may  be  done  legally,  hold  up  your  hands ;  so  many  as 
will  not,  hold  up  your  hands." 

And  thereupon  the  decision  of  the  question  is  thus 
entered  upon  the  Records  :  — 

"AVhere,  by  erection  of  hands,  it  appeared,  by  the  general 
consent  of  the  Company,  that  the  government  and  patent  should 
be  settled  in  New  England,  and  accordingly  an  order  to  be 
drawn  up." 

At  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  Court  after  that 
at  which  this  momentous  resolution  had  been  adopted, 
held  on  the  19th  day  of  September,  1629,  the  name  of 
"  John  "WjTithropp  "  appears  for  the  first  time  on  the 
Records  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  in  New  England.  It  appears  not,  indeed, 
as  the  name  of  one  of  those  who  were  present  at  the 
meetmg,  but  as  one  of  a  committee,  chosen  by  the  Com- 
pany, to  consider  of  certain  differences  which  had  fallen 
out,  in  the  Plantation  at  Salem,  between  its  worthy  local 
Governor,  John  Endicott,  and  two  of  his  councillors, 
John  and  Samuel  Browne,  and  which  were  brought  be- 
fore the  chief  government  in  London  for  adjustment.* 

The  fhst  meetmg  of  the  General  Court  at  which 
Winthrop  is  recorded  as  havhig  been  personally  present 
took  place  on  the  loth  of  October,  1629 ;  when  he  was 
appoint^  one  of  a  committee  to  arrange  articles  of 
agreement  between  the  adventurers  in  the  joiut  stock  m 
England  and  those  who  intended  to  go  over  m  person  to 

*  Records  of  Massachusetts,  vol.  1,  p.  51. 


348  LITE    AND    LETTEES 

m 

the  Plantation.  On  the  16th,  19th,  and  20th  of  the  same 
month,  his  presence  is  also  noted  on  the  Records  of  the 
Assistants  or  of  the  Company. 

On  the  last  of  these  days  (namely,  the  20th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1629),  the  Governor  (Mr.  Cradock)  "acquainted 
those  present  that  the  especial  occasion  of  summoning 
this  Court  was  for  the  election  of  a  new  Governor, 
Deputy,  and  Assistants ;  the  government  being  to  be 
transferred  into  New  England,  accordmg  to  the  former 
order  and  resolution  of  the  Company ;  "  and  soon  after- 
wards, some  other  business  having  been  previously 
transacted,  the  Records  proceed  as  follows :  — 

"  And  now  the  Court,  proceeding  to  the  election  of  a  new 
Governor,  Deputy,  and  Assistants,  —  which,  upon  serious 
deliberation,  hath  been  and  is  conceived  to  be  for  the  especial 
good  and  advancement  of  their  affairs  ;  and  having  received 
extraordinary  great  commendations  of  ]\Ir.  John  Wynthrop,^ 
both  for  his  Integrity  and  sufficiency,  as  being  one  every  (way) 
weU  fitted  and  accomplished  for  the  place  of  Governor,  — did 
put  in  nomination  for  that  place  the  said  Mr.  John  WInthrop, 
Sir  R.  Saltonstall,  Mr.  Is.  Johnson,  and  Mr.  John  Humfry  : 
and  the  said  Mr.  WInthrop  was,  with  a  general  vote,  and  fuU 
consent  of  this  Court,  by  erection  of  hands,  chosen  to  be  Gov- 
ernor for  the  ensuing  year,  to  begin  on  this  present  day ;  who 
was  pleased  to  accept  thereof,  and  thereupon  took  the  oath  to 
that  place  appertaining." 

Mr.  John  Humfrey  was  then,  in  like  manner,  chosen 
Deputy-Governor ;  and  Sir  Richard  Saltonstall,  Mr.  Isaac 
Johnson,  Mr., Thomas  Dudley,  Mr.  John  Endicott,  and 
fourteen  others,  were  chosen  to  be  Assistants. 


1  The  name  of  Winthrop  is  spelt  three  or  four  different  waj'S  in  these  Records. 
This  very  paragraph  uses  y  in  one  line,  and  i  in  others.    And  so  it  is  with  other  names. 


OF  JOHN  WmTHROP.  349 

Ndthing  coiild  be  more  significant  of  the  estimation  in 
which  Winthrop  was  held  by  the  Massachusetts  colonists, 
and  of  the  importance  which  was  attached  to  his  embark- 
mg  with  them  as  then*  leader,  than  the  circumstances 
of  this  election.  He  was  a  comparatively  new  comer 
into  their  enterprise.  His  name  was  not  with  those  of 
Saltonstall  and  Humfrey  and  Endicott  and  Cradock  and 
Johnson,  in  the  origmal  charter  of  Massachusetts,  signed 
by  Charles  I.  on  the  4th  of  March,  1628-9.  Nor  is 
there  any  evidence  that  he  had  been  associated  with 
them  as  an  adventurer  m  the  joint  stock  of  the  Company : 
while,  as  to  any  purpose  of  crossing  the  ocean  as  a 
planter,  we  have  seen  him,  only  two  years  before,  ex- 
pressly advising  his  son  agamst  such  a  course  ;  and  it  is 
hardly  possible  that  he  could  have  contemplated  it  for 
himself.  Yet  now,  when  a  great  responsibility  has  been 
assumed  by  the  Company,  and  when  a  great  step  is  about 
to  be  taken  in  transferring  the  patent  and  the  whole 
government  to  New  England,  Winthrop  would  seem  to 
have  been  summoned  in  at  once  to  their  councils,  and,  at 
the  earliest  practicable  moment,  to  have  been  invested 
with  their  chief-magistracy. 

He  said  of  himself,  on  the  most  solemn  occasion,-^  a 
few  years  after  his  arrival  in  New  England,  "  I  was  first 
chosen  to  be  Govemour  without  my  seeking  or  expecta- 
tion, there  being  then  divers  other  gentlemen,  who,  for 
their  abilities  everyway,  were  far  more  fit."  This  was 
said,  too,  by  him,  in  the  very  face  of  those  who  had  been 


1  Letter  of  Winthrop  to  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts,  in  vindication  of  his 
Accounts,  Sept.  4,  1634.  —  See  Savage's  Appendix  (B)  to  Winthrop's  Hist,  of  N.  E. 
vol.  i.  p.  474. 


350  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

acquainted  witli  all  the  circumstances  of  his  election,  and 
some  of  whom,  perhaps,  would  have  been  not  unwillmg 
to  convict  him  of  having  been  ambitious  of  office  and 
power.  He  had  used  the  same  language,  it  seems,  in  a 
letter  to  his  wife,  on  the  very  day  of  his  election. 

It  would  be  difficult,  we  think,  for  any  one  to  review 
the  facts  which  have  thus  been  given,  without  coming 
to  the  conclusion,  that  there  was  sometliing  in  the  cha- 
racter and  capacity  of  John  Winthrop  which  had  mspired 
peculiar  confidence  in  the  minds  of  those  who  were 
engaged  in  promotmg  the  settlement  of  New  England, 
and  which  led  them  to  seek  him  out  as  the  leader  of 
their  enterprise.  How  far  this  confidence  was  justified, 
we  shall  be  able  to  judge  as  we  proceed  with  his  career. 
Meantime,  it  is  certain  that  his  connection  with  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Company  in  then  great  emigration  seems  to 
have  been  noted  and  remarked  upon,  in  Old  England 
and  in  New  England  alike,  as  an  event  of  more  than 
common  importance  and  interest.  Thus  Sir  Simonds 
D'Ewes,  in  his  Autobiography,^  under  date  of  1634,  in 
describmg  the  New-England  Colonies,  after  a  word  or 
two  about  previous  emigrations,  speaks  thus :  — 

"  Yet  these  chiefly  then  aimed  at  trade  and  gain,  till  about  the 
year  1630,  in  the  spring,  when  John  Winthrop,  Esq.,  a  Suf- 
folk man,  and  many  other  godly  and  well-disposed  Christians, 
with  the  main  of  their  estates,  and  many  of  them  with  their 
entire  families,  to  avoid  the  burthens  and  snares  which  were 
here  laid  upon  their  consciences,  departed  thither  ;  where  they, 
having  in  the  first  place  taken  care  for  the  honor  and  service  of 
God,  and  next  for  their  own  safety  and  subsistence,  have,  be- 


1  Vol.  ii.  chap.  v.  p.  116. 


OF  JOHN   WINTHROP.  351 

yond  the  hopes  of  then*  friends,  and  to  the  astonishment  of 
their  enemies,  raised  such  forts,  built  so  many  towns,  brought 
into  culture  so  much  ground,  and  so  dispersed  and  enriched 
themselves,  as  all  men  may  see,  whom  malice  blindeth  not  nor 
impiety  transverseth,  that  the  very  finger  of  God  hath  liitherto 
gone  with  them  and  guided  them." 

And  the  following  passage  of  the  letter  of  Deputy- 
Governor  Dudley  to  the  Countess  of  Lincoln,  dated 
Boston,  March  12,  1630-1,  bears  a  still  more  striking 
testimony  to  the  importance  attached  at  the  time,  and  by 
those  best  capable  of  judging,  to  the  fact  that  Wiathrop 
had  become  associated  with  the  Massachusetts  Com- 
pany :  — 

"And  the  same  year,  (1628,)  we  sent  Mr.  John  Endecott, 
and  some  with  him,  to  begin  a  Plantation,  and  to  strengthen 
such  as  he  should  find  there,  which  we  sent  thither  from  Dor- 
chester, and  some  places  adjoining.  From  whom  the  same 
year  receiving  hopeful  news,  the  next  year,  1629,  we  sent 
divers  sliips  over,  with  about  three  hundred  people,  and  some 
cows,  goats  and  horses,  many  of  which  arrived  safely. 

"These,  by  their  too  large  commendations  of  the  country 
and  the  commodities  thereof,  invited  us  so  strongly  to  go  on, 
that  ]\Ir.  Winthrop,  of  Suffolk,  (who  was  well  known  in  his 
own  country,  and  well  approved  here  for  his  piety,  liberality, 
wisdom,  and  gravity,)  coming  in  to  us,  we  came  to  such  reso- 
lution, that  in  April,  1630,  we  set  sail  from  Old  England  with 
four  good  ships.  And  in  May  following  eight  more  followed  ;  " 
&c.,  &c. 

Thomas  Dudley,  who,  as  we  may  find  hereafter,  was 
not  always  disposed  to  regard  Winthrop  too  favorably, 
would  thus  seem  to  imply  that  his  "  commg  in  "  on  this 
occasion  was  the  very  hinge  of  the  great  Massachusetts 
movement. 


352  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

We  may  add  here,  in  the  same  comiection,  the  notice 
which  was  taken  of  the  arrival  of  Governor  Winthrop 
and  his  Company  by  Nathaniel  Morton,  in  his  "  New 
England's  Memorial,"  first  published  in  1669. 

"  1630.  This  year  it  pleased  God,  of  his  rich  grace,  to 
transport  over  into  the  bay  of  the  Massachusetts,  divers  hon- 
orable personages,  and  many  worthy  Christians,  whereby  the 
Lord  began  in  a  manifest  manner  and  way  to  make  known 
the  great  thoughts  which  he  had  of  planting  the  gospel  in  this 
remote  and  barborous  wilderness,  and  honouring  his  own  way 
of  instituted  worship,  causing  such  and  so  many  to  adliere 
thereunto,  and  fall  upon  the  practice  thereof;  —  among  the 
rest,  a  chief  one  amongst  them  was,  that  famous  pattern 
of  piety  and  justice,  Mr.  John  Winthrop,  the  first  Governor  of 
the  jurisdiction,  accompanied  with  divers  other  precious  sons 
of  Sion,  which  might  be  compared  to  the  most  fine  gold."^ 

In  view  of  the  various  but  concurrent  testimony  which 
has  thus  been  furnished,  "Winthrop  may  be  exonerated, 
we  thmk,  from  any  imputation  of  vanity,  when  he  says 
of  himself,  in  his  statement  of  the  particular  considera- 
tions which  induced  him  to  join  the  Massachusetts  Com- 
pany, "  It  is  come  to  that  issue,  as  (in  all  probability)  the 
welfare  of  the  Plantation  depends  upon  his  going ;  for 
divers  of  the  chief  undertakers  (upon  whom  the  rest 
depend)  will  not  go  without  him."^ 

1  Morton's  Memorial,  pp.  157-8.  The  title  of  "first  Governor  of  the  jurisdiction," 
given  to  Governor  Winthrop  by  Nathaniel  Morton,  in  a  work  published  as  early  as 
1669,  will  not  Tail  to  be  noted.  Morton  was  at  Plymouth,  and  eighteen  years  old,  when 
Winthrop  arrived ;  and  he  continued  in  New  England  till  his  death.  No  bel  ter  autho- 
rity could  be  adduced  as  to  the  contemporaneous  opinion  on  a  recently  vexed  question. 
We  may  perhaps  find  occasion  to  refer  to  this  subject  again. 

2  In  Winthrop's  rough  draught  of  this  paper,  the  same  idea  is  stated  as  follows :  "  It 
is  come  to  that  issue,  as,  in  all  probabilitye,  the  wellfare  of  the  plantation  depends  upon 
my  assistance :  for  the  maine  pillars  of  it,  beinge  gentlemen  of  high  qualitye  &  eminent 
parts,  bothe  for  wisdom  &  Godlinesse,  are  determined  to  sitt  still  if  I  deserte  them." 


or  JOHN  WINTHROP.  353 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

PREPARATIONS   FOR   NEW  ENGLAND   CIONTINUED.     LETTERS   TO   IN- 
VITE CO-OPERATION,  &c.     DOMESTIC   CORRESPONDENCE. 

WrNTHROP  allowed  himself  but  a  short  time  for  his  first 
visit  to  Groton,  after  his  election  as  Governor ;  and  his 
mind  must  have  been  much  occupied,  even  while  there, 
with  his  new  obligations  and  responsibihties.  Imme- 
diately after  his  retiun  to  London,  we  find  him  preparing 
a  circular  letter  to  some  of  the  Puritan  ministers  of  Eng- 
land, to  ui"\dte  their  co-operation  in  the  enterprise  to 
which  he  was  now  pledged.  There  is,  also,  among  his 
papers,  a  rough  draught  of  a  note  to  his  neighbor,  Mr. 
Gager  of  Little  Waldingfield,  inviting  him  to  join  the 
Company  as  a  sort  of  family  physician.^  We  give  these 
letters  just  as  we  find  them,  —  both  of  them  without  sig- 
nature, and  the  first  without  address,  but  both  throwing 
Hght  on  the  measures  which  were  adopted  by  the  Gover- 
nor and  his  Assistants  to  provide  for  the  sphitual  and 
temporal  necessities  of  the  Company  over  which  they 
had  been  called  to  preside.^ 


1  William  Gager  accepted  the  invitation,  came  over  with  Winthrop,  and  became  a 
deacon  of  the  First  Church  at  Charlestown,  but  died  on  the  20th  September,  1630.  He 
was  called  by  Gov.  Dudley  "a  right  godly  man,  a  skilful  chyrurgeon."  Winthrop'3 
Hist,  of  N.  E.,  vol.  1,  p.  34,  and  Savage's  note. 

2  Of  the  twenty-two  letters  in  this  chapter,  seventeen  are  here  printed  for  the  first 
time. 

45 


354  LIFE    AJS^D   LETTERS 


John  Wintlirop  and  others  to 

"  Sir,  —  We  conceit  you  may  have  heard  of  the  resolution 
of  divers  of  us  to  engage  our  persons  &  estates  in  the  planting 
a  Colony  in  New  England,  for  divers  ends  concerning  the  glory 
of  God  &  the  service  of  his  Church  :  Unto  the  furthering  of 
this  worke  we  finde  the  Lorde  strongely  overwaying  &  enclining 
the  spirits  of  many  of  his  servants  to  oiFer  themselves  willingly 
unto  him  for  this  service ;  only  we  want  hitherto  able  &  suffi- 
cient Ministers  to  joyne  with  us  in  the  worke  :  the  reasons  where- 
of we  finde  to  be  the  Conscience  of  the  Obhgation  by  which 
they  stand  bound  unto  this  Church  for  the  service  in  which  most 
of  them  are  imployed  att  present,  &  want  of  a  sufficient  calling 
unto  the  employment  for  which  we  desire  them.  Wherefore 
that  we  may  in  all  things  submitt  ourselves  to  be  guided  by  the 
will  of  God  in  a  worke  of  soe  great  importance,  we  resolve  not 
to  leave  to  our  owne  Wisdome  the  choyce  of  the  men  whom  we 
desire  for  tliis  worke,  &  for  y*  cause  earnestly  request  the  assist- 
ance of  divers  godly  Ministers  to  judge  of  the  persons  &  corses 
of  such  of  their  brethren  of  the  Ministry  whom  we  shall  desire 
to  single  out  for  this  employ*.  We  doe  therefore  earnestly 
desire,  &  in  the  name  of  God  as  you  tender  the  furtherance  of 
soe  great  a  service,  require,  your  assistance  for  Counsell  & 
dii'cction  in  this  weighty  Cause  :  and  entreate  you  for  y*  pur- 
pose to  afford  us  your  presence  in  this  Citty  the  ninthe  day  of 
November,  to  joyne  with  such  other  of  your  brethren  as  we 
shall  likewise  request  to  be  present  heere  att  the  same  time  for 
y®  same  buslnes.  We  assure  ourselves  of  your  readlnes  to 
answer  our  desire  herein,  &  therefore  expecting  your  presence 
heere  ati  that  time.  In  the  meane  &  for  ever  we  commend  you 
to  the  grace  of  God  resting 

'     "Your  very  loving  frelnds 
"London.  Octob:  27  1629." 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  355 

John  Winthrop  and  others  to  William  Gager. 

"  To  our  loving  friend  IMr.  Gager  at  little  Waldingfield  in  Suffolk. 

"Sm, — Beinge  informed  of  your  good  inclination  to  the 
furtherance  of  this  work  which  (through  the  Lords  good  provi- 
dence) we  are  in  hand  with  for  the  establishing  of  a  Churche  in 
N :  E  :  &  having  sufficient  assurance  of  your  godlinesse  & 
abilityes,  in  the  arte  of  chirurgerye,  to  be  of  much  use  to  us  in 
this  worke ;  being  informed  also,  that  the  place  where  you  live 
dothe  not  aiforde  you  such  sufficiente  &  comfortable  imployment 
as  your  giftes  doe  require,  Ave  have  thought  good  to  offer  you  a 
call  to  joyne  with  us,  &  become  a  member  of  our  familye : 
your  entertainement  shalbe  to  your  good  contente  ;  if  you  like 
to  accepte  this  motion,  we  desire  you  would  prepare  to  goe  with 
us  tliis  springe.  If  you  come  up  to  London  we  shal  be  ready e 
to  treat  further  with  you,  &  so  with  our  hearty  salutations  we 
commit  you  to  the  Lord  &  rest 

"  Your  loving  friends  " 

We  give  next,  in  the  order  of  date,  two  of  the  Go- 
vernor's letters  to  his  wife,  and  two  of  her  rephes,  which 
will  tell  their  own  story,  without  preamble  or  explana- 
tion. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  his  very  loving  TVife,  IMrs.  Winthrop  the  elder,  at  Groton,  Suffolk. 

"My  dear  Wife, — I  must  needs  write  to  thee  'by  this 
bearer,  though  I  can  wTite  little  in  regard  of  my  much  business. 
I  praise  God,  I  came  safe  hither,  where  I  found  all  in  health, 
and  so  (through  his  mercy)  we  continue.  I  have  sent  down 
my  horses,  because  I  am  like  to  stay  somewhat  longer  than  I 
made  account  of;  but  I  shall  make  what  haste  I  can  back. 
Here  is  much  news  :    Divers  great  personages  questioned  and 


356  LITE   AND   liETTERS 

committed ;  but  the  cause  yet  uncertain.  St.  Christopher's  is 
taken  by  the  Spaniard,  and  the  English  there  honestly  sent 
home.  The  same  is  reported  of  the  Barbethes,  but  not  so  cer- 
tain ;  but,  if  it  be,  the  people  are  all  safe.  Some  would  dis- 
courage us  with  this  news ;  but  there  is  no  cause,  for  neither 
are  we  in  the  like  danger  :  and,  besides,  God  is  with  us,  and 
will  surely  keep  us.  I  shall  take  time  to  write  to  thee  again  in 
the  end  of  the  week.  So,  for  this  time,  with  all  our  hearty 
salutations  to  thyself,  my  good  sister  Fones,  and  the  rest  of 
our  friends,  with  my  love  and  blessing  to  all  our  children,  I 
commend  thee  to  the  Lord.     So  I  kiss  my  sweet  wife,  and  rest 

"  Thy  faithful  husband,  "  Jo.  WmTHROP. 

"November  11,  1629. 

"  My  son  remembers  his  duty  to  thee  and  his  aunt,  and  love 
to  all,  etc." 


Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  deare  Husband,  —  I  knowe  not  how  to  expresse  my 
love  to  thee  or  my  desyres  of  thy  wished  welfayre,  but  my  hart 
is  well  knowne  to  thee,  which  will  make  relation  of  my  affec- 
tions though  they  be  smalle  in  apperance  :  my  thoughts  are 
nowe  on  our  great  change  and  alteration  of  our  corce  heare, 
which  I  beseech  the  Lord  to  blesse  us  in,  &,  my  good  Husband 
cheare  up  thy  hart  in  the  expectacion  of  Gods  goodnesse  to  us, 
&  let  nothinge  dismay  or  discorage  thee ;  if  the  Lord  be  with 
us  who  can  be  against  us  :  my  grefe  is  the  feare  of  stayinge 
beliinde  thee,  but  I  must  leave  all  to  the  good  providence  of 
God.  I  thank  the  Lord  wee  are  all  heare  in  reasonable  good 
icalth,  I  receved  a  letter  since  you  went  from  my  sonne 
John,  w'^^  brout  good  Nuse  from  Nue  E  :  I  pray  thanke  him 
for  it,  I  wil  rite  to  him  if  I  have  time,  &  thus  with  my  best 
respect  to  thy  selfe,  brother  &  sister  D  :  I  commit  you  to  God 
and  rest 

"  Your  faythfull  wife  "  Margaret  Winthrope. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  357 

"Your  servante  remembers  liir  service  to  you,  our  sonnes  & 
daughters  remember  there  duty.  You  shall  receive  by  Smith 
the  caryer  a  rundelet  of  syder,  the  carage  is  payed,  if  you  Mke 
it  send  for  more." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife.    . 

"My  sweet  wife, — I  received  thy  most  kinde  Lettre,  & 
blessed  be  o""  good  God  that  giveth  us  still  cause  of  reioycinge 
in  the  newes  of  each  others  wellfare,  &  of  those  w*^^  are  deare 
to  us  :  &  blessed  be  God,  who  hath  given  me  a  wife,  who  is 
such  a  helpe  &  incouragem*  to  me  in  tliis  great  worke,  wherein 
so  many  wives  are  so  great  an  hinderance  to  theirs  :  I  doubt  not 
but  the  Lorde  will  recompence  abundantly  the  faithfullnesse  of 
thy  love  &  obedience,  &  for  my  selfe,  I  shall  ever  be  mindfull 
of  thee,  &  carefidl  to  requite  thee. 

"  Our  businesse  comes  so  fast  upon  us  heer,  as  I  cahot  yet 
appointe  when  I  shall  returne,  but  I  will  make  what  hast  I 
niaye. 

"  I  would  have  my  daughter  M  :  come  up  in  the  ende  of 
next  weeke,  I  hope  to  come  downe  the  weeke  followinge :  I 
thinke  it  would  be  good  for  my  sonne  H :  to  come  up  w*^^  her, 
that  he  may  looke  after  his  men  &  provisions  w*^^  were  to  goe  to 
the  Barbethes.  Let  John  speake  w**^  Cole  the  constable  of 
Boxford  &  tell  him,  that  I  have  gotten  a  place  for  his  kinsman 
w*^  Sir  Richard  Saltonstall,  who  wUl  entertaine  him  presently  if 
he  will  come  up.  Let  John  or  my  sonne  Hen  :  speake  to 
Holder  to  lett  alone  the  timber  till  I  come  home. 

"  Our  freinds  heer  salute  thee  &  all  w*^  thee.  Cornende  my 
love  to  my  good  servant,  &  tell  her,  I  think  I  must  be  forced 
to  write  to  her  this  weeke ;  if  M""  Payinter  come  downe,  he  is  a 
reverend  man  &  a  good  preacher,  let  him  be  kindly  entertained, 
he  Avill  preach  w*^  you  if  he  come.  The  good  Lord  be  w*'^  thee 
(my  deare  wife)  &  blesse  thee  &  all  o",  so  w^  wonted  saluta- 
tions I  rest 

"  thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Westtkrop. 

«'Nov:  12  IP^o." 


358  LIFE   AND   LETTEES 


Margaret  Wintkrop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  deaee  Husband, — I  reloyce  in  thy  welfayre,  &  in 
the  expectacion  of  thy  presence  w'^'^  I  hope  shortly  to  enioy.  I 
send  up  my  daughter  M.  somewhat  the  soner  by  reson  of  Mr. 
P.  cominge  up,  and  would  pray  thee  to  send  word  this  weeke 
when  I  shall  send  up  thy  horsses.  I  pray  make  what  hast  you 
can  for  the  hart  of  your  good  servant  is  fallen  so  loe,  that  she 
say^^  if  you  doe  not  com  home  presently  you  will  never  lift  it 
up  agayne.  But  I  think  hir  desyre  is  that  she  may  confir  with 
you  about  Mr.  P.  whome  I  thinke  she  will  scarce  have  power 
to  deny.  He  preached  with  us  the  last  Lords  day  and  did  very 
well.  He  seemeth  to  be  a  very  godly  wise  man,  but  I  am  sure 
my  sister  will  not  make  any  promise  till  she  hath  confired  with 
thy  selfe  and  the  rest  of  hir  frends.  Coles  Idnsman  shal  come 
up  next  weeke.  Kingesbery  will  goe  for  N  :  E  :  his  wife  and 
two  children.  You  must  pardon  me  that  I  am  so  short  in 
righting  to  you,  for  my  affections  are  longe  enough  if  I  had 
time  to  expresse  them.  But  I  must  leaue  thee  for  this  time, 
beinge  in  hast.  Desyringe  the  good  Lord  to  prosper  all  thy 
businesse  and  affayres  and  send  us  a  comfortable  meetinge,  I 
commend  my  best  love  to  thee  and  commit  you  to  the  Lord 
and  rest 

"Your  faythfull  and  obedient  wife 

"Maegaret  Wintheope." 

The  allusion  to  Mr.  Painter,  in  the  two  last  of  these 
letters,  furnishes  a  fit  occasion  for  introducing  two  letters 
which  Winthrop  received  about  this  time  from  his  sister- 
in-law,  Priscilla  Fones.  The  second  of  them  has  par- 
ticular reference  to  Mr.  Painter,  whom,  notwithstanding 
the  reluctance  which  she  expresses  to  change  her  con- 
dition, she  soon  afterwards  married.  There  is  something 
peculiarly  quaint  and  pretty  in  the  coyness,  not  to  call  it 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  359 

coquetry,  of  the  second  letter ;  and  we  shall  catch  still 
another  glunpse  of  it,  before  she  finally  yields  to  the 
importunity  of  her  worthy  and  reverend  suitor.^  Her 
first  letter  has  no  date,  but  must  have  been  written  a 
month  or  two  before  the  second. 

Priscilla  Fones  to  Jolm  Winthrop. 

"To  the  right  Wor"  her  verie  Ipvinge  brother  John  Winthrop  Esq. 
these  be  dd  at  his  house  in  Groton. 

"  My  good  beother,  —  I  was  kindly  salluted  with  a  letter 
from  you  which  cam  to  my  hands  that  day  senet  I  cam  to  Sut- 
ton, &  was  not  a  littel  wellcom  to  me.  I  would  gladly  have 
returned  you  thankes  for  it  before  this  time,  but  that  I  could 
not  hear  of  any  messenger  to  send  by  all  the  while  I  was  at 
Sutton,  Avhich  bred  me  much  grife  &  troubel  of  mind  in  the 
midst  of  all  my  comforts,  &  more  would  have  done  had  I  not 
bin  well  perswaed*^  that  your  love  would  judge  the  best  of  me. 
My  absence  from  you  hath  bin  now  much  longer  then  I  in- 
tended, my  father  being  so  loth  to  part  with  me  ;  &,  truly  it  was 
no  easie  thing  for  me  to  part  with  such  a  father,  having  not  bin 
with  him  in  ten  yeres  before  ;  but  now  throughe  Gods  goodnes 
I  cam  safly  to  London  on  Saterday  last,  whear  I  thankfuly 
recaived  your  loving  letter,  w^iich  did  much  refrech  me  after  my 
weary  jurny.  I  had  a  purpose  then  to  have  sene  you  this 
weke  &  did  much  reioyce  in  the  hope  I  had  of  inioying  your  & 
my  good  sisters  compeny,  with  my  pore  cliildren  whom  I  much, 
long  after ;  but  before  I  could  take  my  fill  of  these  thoughts,  that 
heavi  nugfe  of  your  going  for  new  England  cam  to  me.  How 
much  grife  it  hath  cost  me  I  spare  to  relate  at  tliis  time,  but  I 
see  the  Lord  is  about  to  take  away  my  props  that  I  may  wholy 
rely  upon  himself.  These  nuse  hath  made  me  now  to  looke  out 
for  a  house  Avhich  I  intended  not  before,  &  so  my  coining  is 


1  Eev.  Henry  Painter,  of  Exeter,  was  one  of  the  Assembly  of  Westminster  Di- 
vines, 1644-5. 


360  LIFE   AND    LETTERS 

defered  till  the  next  weke  :  In  the  meane  time  I  earnestly  crave 
your  prayers,  &  so  with  the  remembrance  of  my  best  love  and 
affections  to  your  selfe,  my  good  sister,  all  yours  and  mine,  I 
take  my  leave  of  you  for  this  time  &  rest 

"  Your  very  loving  sister  "  Pris.  Fones. 

"I  would  fame  have  written  to  my  daughters,  but  time  Is 
very  precious  with  me  In  London.  I  pray  remember  me  to 
them  both  and  to  my  maid  whose  care  of  my  pore  Mat  I  shall 
not  forglt." 

Priscilla  Fones  to  John  Winthrop. 

"  To  the  right  Worshipfull  my  very  loving  brother  John  Winthrope 
esquire  London. 

"  My  dere  brother,  —  Such  Is  my  love  to  you  &  my 
respect  of  you  as  I  cannot  but  take  kindly  from  you  this  motion 
of  which  I  was  deslerous  never  to  have  heard  more  of.  And 
as  well  as  I  could  Indure  to  spake  of  such  a  busnes,  I  Intrated 
your  help  to  that  end  when  I  parted  with  you ;  but  see  my 
answear  toke  not  that  efect  which  I  ded  desler,  which  hath  bred 
me  much  grife  &  troubel  of  mind,  my  selfe  being  very  fearfuU 
to  chang  my  condition.  All  my  friends  perswade  me  It  will  be 
best  for  me  to  chang,  but  my  selfe  hath  no  hart  to  It.  In  the 
man  I  see  that  which  I  chefly  ame  at  In  a  husban,  which  Is 
grace  &  godlynes  with  gifts  sutabel  to  lils  calling ;  though  in 
outward  estate  he  coms  short  of  any  that  hath  bin  yet  moved 
to  me.  These  things,  with  his  Importunity  &  palnes  In  coming 
so  fare,  hath  bred  such  destractlon  in  my  mind  as  truly  I  know 
not  what  to  doe,  but  mine  els  are  towards  the  Lord  for  derec- 
tlon  in  this  walty  busnes.  Good  brother  help  with  your  prayers 
&  best  advise,  for  I  have  now  cast  myselfe  uppon  you  &  my 
father  &  M'  White,  to  whom  I  pray  make  knowen  this  busnes 
&  crave  his  councel  in  it.  I  have  only  given  him  this  answer, 
that  I  will  doe  nothing  without  the  advise  of  my  freinds.  Good 
brother  I  know  your  love  to  be  such  towards  me  as  I  shall  not 
nede  to  intreat  your  care  in  this,  but  now  my  request  to  you  Is 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  361 

that  you  would  make  all  the  hast  home  you  can,  for  we  all  long 
for  you.  Myselfe  which  could  not  so  prise  the  benefit  of  your 
good  company  as  I  ought,  have  now  larned  to  prise  it  by  the 
want  of  it.  The  Lord  give  me  grace  to  make  beter  use  of  it 
when  he  shall  be  plased  to  restore  it  to  me  againe  —  and  thus 
with  remembrance  of  my  best  love  and  servis  to  yourselfe,  m 
good  brother  and  sister,  and  the  rest  of  my  frinds,  I  coihit  you 
and  all  your  affares  to  the  Lord  &  so  I  rest 

"Your  ever  loveing  sister  and  faithful  servant 

"Pris.  Tones. 

"NOA^MBER   17." 


It  is  not  a  little  odd,  that,  on  the  very  same  day  on 
which  Priscilla  was  thus  writing  so  interesting  a  letter  to 
our  Governor  in  regard  to  a  proposed  matrimonial  ar- 
rangement of  her  own,  his  son  Forth  should  also  have 
been  engaged  m  addressing  him  a  similar  epistle  in 
regard  to  his  affection  for  his  cousm  Ursula,  Priscilla's 
daughter.^  The  Governor  must  have  had  his  hands  full, 
when  these  two  appeals  for  advice  and  counsel,  on  the 
tenderest  domestic  topics,  reached  him  at  the  same 
moment,  and  in  the  midst  of  all  the  occupations  and 
consultations  in  which  the  business  of  New  England  had 
involved  him.  But  Perth's  letter  is  too  good  and  too 
characteristic  to  be  lost.  It  is  at  least  worth  preserving 
as  an  illustration  of  the  deference  which  the  }'oung  men 
of  that  day  paid  to  the  opinions  and  wishes  of  their 
parents.     Forth,  be  it  remembered,  had  now  finished  his 


1  Ursula  Sherman  has  sometimes  been  supposed  to  have  been  a  daughter  of  Rev. 
Henry  Painter  by  his  first  wife;  but  Forth  speaks  of  her  as  his  cousin,  and  as  his  Aunt 
Fones's  daughter,  before  the  marriage,  or  even  the  engagement,  of  Priscilla  Fones  to 
Painter.  She  must  have  been  a  daughter  of  Priscilla  by  a  husband,  before  Fones, 
whose  name  was  Sherman. 

46 


362  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

collegiate  course,  and  was  nearly  twenty-one  years  of 
age.  We  shall  see  but  too  soon  what  was  the  end  of  all 
his  plans  of  domestic  happiness. 

Forth  Winthrop  to  his  Father. 

"  Most  lovinge  father,  —  The  consideration  of  that 
saying  Uteres  non  eruhescunt,  hath  moved  me  to  cause  you  to 
understand  that  by  letters,  w'^^  bashfulhiesse  would  not  suffer 
me  to  utter,  but  sealed  up  my  mouth  in  silence.  The  heathen 
could  say  Tu  nihil  invitd  dices,  faciesve  Mynervd.  I  would  be 
loath  soe  far  to  violate  the  lawes  of  nature  or  infringe  the  prae- 
cepts  of  nurture  &  education,  as  to  undertake  any  enterprize 
of  moment  w*'^out  yo*"  leave,  knowledg,  consent,  &  license. 
That  therefore  I  may  have  yo'  councell  &  direction  I  desire 
that  from  me  you  may  understand,  that  I  doe  beare  affection 
in  such  sort  as  God  may  approve,  &  w*^  yo*"  agreem*  may  in 
time  blesse  w*'^  his  holy  ordinance  of  Mariage,  to  my  cosen 
Ursula,  my  aunt  ffones  her  daughter,  yet  have  I  made  noe 
mention  of  any  such  thing,  nor  till  I  shall  knowe  yo'  will, 
pleasure  &  advice  heerin,  will  I.  To  yo'  wisdome  therefore  doe 
I  most  humblye  submitte  myselfe,  &  earnestly  desiring  yo"" 
prayers,  that  God  may  direct  me  for  the  best,  I  shall  awaite 
the  expectation  of  yo*'  councell,  instruction,  &  direction,  what 
best  you  in  yo"^  wisdome  shall  see  most  fittinge  for  me  to  be 
done  or  lefte  undone  ;  &  soe  committinge  this  to  you  &  you  to 
the  protection  of  the  allmighty,  w*'^  my  most  humble  duty 
remembred  to  yo''selfe,  my  Uncle  &  Aunt  Downing,  w*"^  my 
love  to  my  cosens,  I  rest  &  remaine 

"Yo*"  Obedient  Sonne 

"Forth  Winthrop. 

"ffrom  Geoton  Novemb :  17,  1629." 

We  come  next  to  another  letter  which  is  without 
address,  and  some  portions  of  which  are  supplied  with 
difficulty,  but  which  again  exhibits  the  zeal  of  the  Gov- 


OF  JOHN  WINTHKOP.  363 

ernor  iu  urging  the  cause  of  New  England  upon  all  who 
were  witliui  the  sphere  of  his  mfiuence.  It  would  seem 
to  have  been  written  to  some  humble  dependant  or  tenant 
of  his,  whom  he  designed  to  enlist  in  the  great  emigra- 
tion which  he  was  preparing  to  conduct.  It  will  be 
followed,  without  further  explanation,  by  two  more 
letters  to  his  wife,  which  tell  thek  own  story  sufficiently. 
The  allusion  to  his  friend  "  Mr.  Cotton,  of  Boston,"  in 
the  postscript  to  the  second  of  them,  will  not  escape 
observation. 

John  Winihrop  to . 


"  I  expected  to  have  seene  you  at  London  and  imparted  that 
to  you  by  conference  w*''^  cannot  be  done  by  Lettres,  but  better 
thus  then  not  at  all.  I  suppose  you  have  heard  ho  we  it  hathe 
pleased  the  Lord  to  dispose  of  me,  for  my  transplanting  into 
New  England  &  making  me  to  longe  to  sett  down  there.  If  I 
could  meet  w***  you,  I  doubt  not  I  could  give  you  good  satis- 
faction, «&  .perchance  I  would  convince  or  would  perswade  you 
to  goe  w^  us,  if  you  would  yield  yo^'selfe  to  be  informed  of  the 
cause  of  the  Avork,  &'  then  let  God  dispose  yo"^  minde  as  he 
please.  If  you  come  up  to  London,  when  I  am  not  there,  I 
wish  you  would  repaire  to  one  Mr.  Nowell  a  merchant  in 
Philpott  lane  at  the  house  where  S*"  Tho  :  Smithe  sometymes 
dwelt,  &  let  him  knowe  that  you  come  from  me,  &  he  will 
acquaint  you  fullye  av*^  all  thinges  :  I  heare  you  are  removinge 
from  Stewards  ;  ^  I  would  desire  you  therefore,  that  such  hang- 
ings as  I  lefte  there,  w'^'^  are  worthe  the  removinge,  you  would 


1  The  manor  of  Stewards,  in  Romford  Town  Ward,  Essex,  about  twelve  miles  from 
London,  was  the  birthplace  of  the  celebrated  Francis  Quarles,  author  of  the  Emblems, 
in  1592;  and  is  believed  to  have  continued  in  his  family  at  least  until  his  death,  in 
1644. — Excursions  throu(jh  Essex,  vol.  i.  p.  168.  It  would  seem,  from  this  letter,  as  if 
Winthrop  had  once  occupied  apartments  at  this  place,  or  some  other  bearing  the  same 
name,  perhaps  in  order  to  be  nearer  London  for  the  practice  of  his  profession  and  the 
discharge  of  his  otScial  duties.  —  See  his  letter  of  Feb.  25, 1627 ;  ante,  p.  152. 


364  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

sende  them  up  to  me,  If  you  have  no  use  of  them,  &  for  the 
other  householde  I  lefte,  give  me  for  them  what  you  please.  I 
am  heare  full  of  buslnesse,  &  canot  write  as  I  desire,  onelye 
knowe,  that  I  doe  earnestly  desire  (if  it  may  be  the  Lords 
good  pleasure)  to  have  yo''  company  into  N  :  E  :  &  o""  good 
Dames  (who  may  be  of  great  use  there) ,  &  so  w*^  my  hearty 
salutations  to  you  both,  I  comende  you  to  the  Lorde,  &  desiringe 
yo'  prayers  I  rest 

"  Yo'  assured  friend  "  Jo  :  Wintheop. 

"London.  Nov.  20:  1629." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  deare  Wife,  —  I  blesse  o""  good  God  for  the  continu- 
ance of  thy  wellfare  &  the  rest  of  o*"  familye,  &  for  his  good 
providence  &  mercye  towards  us  in  all  o'  affairs  :  I  thanke  thy 
sweet  heart  for  thy  kinde  lovinge  Lettre,  &  doe  longe  as  much 
to  be  w*''  thee,  as  thou  dost  to  enioye  me,  the  Lorde  in  his 
good  tyme  will  bi'ing  us  togither  w*'^  comfort,  as  he  hath  done 
ofte  heretofore :  Let  my  horses  be  sent  up  on  Saterdaye  or 
mundaye  come  seiiight,  except  I  write  to  the  contrarye  in  the 
meane  tyme,  for  I  will  make  what  hast  I  can. 

"Cornende  me  to  my  brother  Jennye,  etc,  &  excuse  my  not 
answearinge  his  kind  lettre  for  wante  of  leysure,  &  and  so  for 
my  neighbo'"  Child,  if  he  come  to  you. 

"  My  businesse  dothe  so  take  up  both  my  tyme  &  thoughts  as 
I  canot  expresse  myself  to  thee  as  I  desire,  but  I  knowe  thou 
wilt  beare  w*^  me,  —  so  w**^  all  lovinge  salutat^  to  thy  selfe,  to 
all  o'  good  freinds  w^^  thee,  &  my  blessinge  to  all  o''  children, 
thankinge  the  Lord  for  the  recoverye  of  o"^  Sam^  I  coinende 
thee  &  all  o''%  &  all  o''  Affaires  to  his  grace  &  good  providence. 
So  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife  &  rest, 

"  thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"London  Nov':  20.  1629." 


OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.  365 


John  Winihrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  Deare  Wife, — Blessed  be  the  Lord  o""  good  God, 
that  I  still  heare  of  the  health  of  thee  &  o""  familye,  &  that  he 
is  pleased  to  continue  health  &  peace  to  us  heer.  I  have  no- 
thinge  to  write  to  thee  of,  but  havinge  so  fitt  opportunitye,  I 
could  not  let  it  passe  w%ut  a  lettre  to  my  best  beloved  :  I  know 
thou  wilt  consider  how  it  is  now  w*^  me  in  regard  of  businesse, 
w'^'^  so  takes  up  my  tyme  &  thoughts,  as  I  can  no  more  but  let 
thee  know  that  I  have  a  desu'e  still  to  be  writinge  to  thee ; 
though  I  canot  expresse  my  love  so  largly  to  thee  as  I  was 
wonte  to  doe :  I  hope  (if  God  will)  to  be  w***  thee  the  begin- 
ninge  of  next  weeke  ;  therefore  let  John  be  heer  w*'^  my  horses 
on  Saterdaye.  All  o'^  freinds  heer  salute  thee  :  Coiiiende  me 
kindly  to  my  good  servant,  &  all  o''  freinds  :  The  Lorde  blesse 
thee  &  all  o'  children  &  companye  :  So  I  kisse  my  sweet  wife 
&  rest 

"thy  faithful!  husband,  "Jo:  Winthrop. 

"It  may  be  M"^  Cotton  of  Boston  vdll  come  see  thee  on 
thursdaye  or  fridaye.     Gett  him  to  staye  a  night  if  thou  canst. 

"London  Novemb:  24.  1629." 


Winthi'op  presided  at  the  General  Court  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Company  in  London  on  the  30th  of  November; 
and  was  doubtless  at  home  a  few  days  afterwards,  agree- 
ably to  the  promise  in  the  letter  just  given.  As  the 
records  of  the  Company  show  that  he  was  absent  from 
the  meeting  held  on  the  15th  of  December,  he  probably 
spent  his  last  Old-England  Christmas  holidays  with  his 
wife  and  children  at  Groton  Manor.  At  any  rate,  we 
hear  nothing  more  of  him  until  the  middle  of  January ; 
when   the  following  letter  to  his  wife,  evidently  from 


366  LIFE    ANT>   LETTERS 

London,  implies  that  he  had  been  there  for  some  time, 
and  that  he  was  proposing  to  return  home  again  the  next 
week :  — 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  dear  Wife, — I  have  many  things  to  thank  thee  for 
this  week,  —  thy  most  kind  letter,  fowls,  puddings,  etc.  ;  but  I 
must  first  thank  our  heavenly  Father,  that  I  hear  of  thy  health 
and  the  welfare  of  all  our  family ;  for  I  was  in  fear,  because  I 
left  thee  not  well.  But  thus  is  the  Lord  pleased  still  to  declare 
his  goodness  and  mercy  to  his  unworthy  servants.  Oh  that  we 
could  learn  to  trust  in  him,  and  to  love  him  as  we  ought ! 

"For  my  care  of  thee  and  thine,  I  will  say  nothing.  The 
Lord  knows  my  heart,  that  it  was  one  great  motive  to  draw  me 
into  this  course.  The  Lord  prosper  me  in  it,  as  I  desire  the 
prosperity  of  thee  and  thine.  For  this  end,  I  purpose  to  leave 
£1500  with  thy  friends,  if  I  can  sell  my  lands,  which  I  am  now 
about,  but  as  yet  have  done  nothing.  I  purpose  (if  God  will) 
to  be  at  home  the  next  week.  I  am  forced  to  keep  John  here 
for  my  business,  which  now  comes  so  heavy  upon  me,  as  I  can 
spare  no  time  for  aught  else.  The  Lord  in  mercy  bring  us  well 
through  all  our  troubles,  as  I  trust  he  will.  Thou  must  bear 
with  my  brevity.  The  Lord  bless  and  keep  thee,  and  all  our 
children,  and  company.  So  I  kiss  my  sweet  wife,  and  rest 
"  Thy  faithful  husband, 

"Jo.  Winthrop. 

"My  brother  and  sister  salute  you  all.  Let  the  cow  be 
killed  against  I  come  home  ;  and  let  my  son  Henry  provide  such 
peas  as  will  porridge  well,  or  else  none. 

"January  15,  1629." 

And  now  we  have  a  letter  of  a  widely  different  charac- 
ter from  all  which  have  preceded  it.  It  is  from  John 
Winthrop,  jun.,  to  his  father,  giving  an  account  of  some 
labors  and  experiments  of  his  own  in  the  service  of  the 


OF  JOHN  WrNTHEOP.  367 

Massachusetts  Company.  It  begins  with  an  alhision  to 
his  havmg  been  engaged  in  takmg  the  dimensions  of  a 
fort  near  Colchester,  and  of  his  having  made  a  perfect 
plot  of  it.^  The  letter  then  proceeds  with  an  elaborate 
account  of  a  wmdmill,  which  the  younger  Winthrop  had 
invented  for  the  benefit  of  New  England.  We  dare  not 
pronounce  on  the  scientific  merits  or  the  practical  value 
of  the  invention ;  nor  do  we  know  whether  such  a  wind- 
mill was  ever  set  up  by  its  inventor,  either  in  Massa- 
chusetts or  Connecticut.  We  certainly  doubt  whether 
this  letter  would  have  established  the  claim  of  its  writer 
to  be  enrolled  (as  he  was  about  forty  years  afterwards) 
among  the  fomiders  of  the  Royal  Society ;  but  it  affords 
a  pleasant  illustration  of  the  earnestness  with  which  he 
exerted  whatever  ingenuity  or  skill  he  possessed,  for  the 
one  great  end  to  which  he  had  so  recently  and  so  so- 
lemnly devoted  himself. 


John  Winthrop  Jr.  to  his  Father. 

"  To  the  Woi"''  his  very  loving  father  John  Winthrop  Esq.  at  Mr.  Down- 
ings  house  in  Peterborough  Court  over  ag* :  the  Conduit  in  fleet 
Street,  London. 

"  S'',  — My  humble  duty  remembred,  I  receyved  your  letters, 
reioycing  much  to  understand  of  the  continuance  of  your  wel- 
fare. AYee  are  heere  (God  be  praised)  all  in  good  health.  I 
am  glad  you  have  made  an  end  w*''  my  brothers  businesse  upon 
so  good  termes  ;  he  &  she  are  both  very  glad  of  it :  it  would 
have  bred  much  trouble  if  it  could  not  now  have  bene  put  of, 

1  The  importance  attached  to  this  work  may  be  inferred  from  the  postscript  of  a 
letter  of  Isaac  Johnson  to  Gov.  Winthrop,  written  a  few  weelcs  earlier,  and  printed  in 
the  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  vol.  vi.,  1st  series,  p.  32. 


368.  LITE    AND   LETTERS 

besides  what  hinderance  it  would  have  bene  to  themselves.  I 
was  last  weeke  at  Colchester  w***  Mr.  Heath  the  Kinges  Work- 
man, who  made  the  fort  at  Langer  point.  I  have  now  a  per- 
fect plot  thereof,  w**^  the  dementions  of  the  whole  &  parts,  I 
will  have  it  ready  ag*  you  come  downe. 

"I  have  now  made  a  rude  modell  (as  only  to  shew  that  it  is 
feasable)  of  that  wind  motion,  w'''^  I  tould  you  of,  then  only 
imagining  it  speculatively,  but  now  have  scene  the  experience 
of  it,  and  doe  affirme  that  an  Instrument  may  be  made  to  move 
w*  the  wind  horizontally  to  equaU  if  not  to  exceed  the  ordinary 
verticall  motion  of  the  windmill  sailes,  both  in  swiftnesse  & 
force  :  for  the  wings  of  it  (w^'^  may  be  eyther  4  :  6,  or  8,  or  as 
many  as  the  workman  will)  in  the  one  semicircle  shalbe  allwaies 
w*^  their  broad  superficies  oposite  to  the  wind,  the  other  semi- 
circle (allowing  only  such  bredth  as  for  strength  the  timbers  of 
the  wings  shall  require)  shall  be  in  respect  only  liniarily  oposite 
to  the  same,  &  where  there  is  any  broad  superficies  pressed 
upon  by  the  violence  of  winds  we  may  conceive  the  force  it  Car- 
rie th  by  the  great  weight  that  it  moveth,  as  ships,  &c  :  &  where 
it  is  placed  upon  a  center,  &  farr  distant  from  the  same,  we  may 
iudffe  w*'^  what  violence  it  would  whirle  round,  by  the  eiFect  it 
worketh  upon  ships  sailing  close  by  a  wind  (w'=^  tendeth  towards 
a  round  motion  save  that  it  continually  as  it  declineth  changeth 
his  center,  &  falleth  on  a  new  one)  that  sometyme  through  the 
force  of  it,  it  oversetteth  them  though  poised  w*^  reasonable 
weight.  Swiftnesse  must  needs  proceed  proportionably  from 
force.  I  conceive  it  may  be  aplied  to  many  laborious  uses  as 
any  kind  of  mills,  Corne  mills,  saw  mills  &c.,  &  I  thinke  a 
cornemill  of  this  to  performe  w*^  the  ordinary  verticall  mills 
may  be  made  for  little  more  cost  then  a  good  horse  mill,  & 
so  may  hold  proportionably  in  the  other  sorts,  as  saw  mills,  oyle 
mills,  &c,  w''''  are  not  made  eyther  for  wind  or  water  w*^out 
great  cost ;  for  this  may  be  made  as  low  as  the  workman  will, 
whereas  the  verticall  mills  must  be  made  very  highe,  w*^^  mak- 
eth  them  so  chargeable  :  And  one  spetiall  property  wilbe  in 
them  that  they  allwaies  stand  right  for  the  wind  wheresoever  it 


OF   JOHN   ^^TENTHROP.  369 

bloweth :  If  there  may  be  made  any  use  of  It,  I  desire  New- 
England  should  reape  the  benefit  for  whose  sake  it  was  invented. 
Et  soli  Deo  gloria. 

"  Heere  was  to  day  a  youth  from  Polsted  to  be  enterteyned 
for  New  England,  but  knowing  you  were  full  I  bid  him  not 
loose  his  labour  to  come  any  more  to  speake  w*^  you,  etc.  I 
pray  remember  my  duty  &  love  to  my  Uncle  &  Aunt  Downing, 
w***  my  love  to  my  Cosens  &  frelnds.  Thus  desiring  your  bless- 
ing &  pralers  I  coinend  you  to  Gods  protection  &  rest 

"  Yom-  obedient  sonne  "  John  Winthrop. 

"Grot.  Jan:  18:  1629." 


We  may  bring  this  somewhat  miscellaneous  chapter  to 
a  close  with  a  series  of  seven  more  letters,  which  passed 
between  the  elder  Winthrop  and  his  wife,  after  he  had 
paid  her  another  brief  \isit  at  Groton,  and  had  returned 
to  London  again  to  pursue  his  preparations.  They  are 
full  of  significance  as  to  the  work  in  which  he  was 
engaged..  There  is  a  hurried  brevity  in  some  of  them, 
and  a  touching  pathos  in  others,  which  betoken  at  once 
the  pressure  of  business  on  his  time,  and  the  heavier 
pressure  of  care  and  sorrow,  at  the  prospect  of  "  the 
long  parting,"  upon  his  heart.  Both  his  wife  and  his 
eldest  son,  vdth  others  of  the  family,  were  to  remain 
behind  for  the  present ;  and  he  had  thus  to  make  pre- 
parations, at  the  same  time,  for  thek  comfortable  con- 
tmuance  in  England,  and  for  the  outfit  and  voyage  of  the 
Company  and  of  himself.  The  perils  of  the  ocean  were 
to  be  encountered,  and  the  privations  of  a  wilderness  to 
be  endiu'ed.  No  wonder  that  he  "  could  write  Httle,  in 
regard  of  his  much  business."  No  wonder  that  what  he 
did  "SATite  bore  so  strong  an  impress  of  mingled  anxiety 

47 


370  LIFE   AND   LETTEES 

and  affection.  No  wonder  that  his  "  head  was  dissolved 
into  tears,"  as  he  read  one  of  his  wife's  Httle  rephes, 
alluding  to  the  "  solemn  leave  "  which  they  were  so  soon 
to  take  of  each  other.  The  dates  of  the  two  first  letters 
prove,  that,  by  some  magnetic  sympathy,  they  were 
writing  to  each  other  on  the  same  day. 

We  reluctantly  break  the  series  at  one  point,  for  the 
admission,  in  its  chronological  order,  of  a  letter  from 
Forth ;  which  indicates  that  the  custom-officers  of  Old 
England  were  already  taking  cognizance  of  the  Gover- 
nor's movements. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  My  dear  Wife,  — I  praise  God,  we  came  safe  to  London, 
and  continue  in  health,  and  found  all  well  here.  Thus  it  pleas- 
eth  the  Lord  to  follow  us  with  his  blessings,  that  we  might  love 
him  again.  I  find  here  so  much  to  do,  as  I  doubt  I  shall  not 
come  down  these  three  weeks  ;  but,  thou  may  est  be  sure,  I  will 
stay  no  longer  than  my  occasions  shall  enforce  me. 

"  I  must  now  begin  to  prepare  thee  for  our  long  parting, 
which  grows  very  near.  I  know  not  how  to  deal  with  thee  by 
arguments  ;  for  if  thou  wert  as  wise  and  patient  as  ever  woman 
was,  yet  it  must  needs  be  a  great  trial  to  thee,  and  the  greater, 
because  I  am  so  dear  to  thee.  That  which  I  must  chiefly  look 
at  in  thee,  for  a  ground  of  contentment,  is  thy  godliness.  If 
now  the  Lord  be  thy  God,  thou  must  show  it  by  trusting  in 
him,  and  resigning  thyself  quietly  to  his  good  pleasure.  If  now 
Christ  be  thy  Husband,  thou  must  show  what  sure  and  sweet 
intercourse  is  between  him  and  thy  soul,  when  it  shall  be  no 
hard  thing  for  thee  to  part  with  an  earthly,  mortal,  infirm  hus- 
band for  his  sake.  The  enlargement  of  thy  comfort  in  the 
communion  of  the  love  and  sweet  familiarity  of  thy  most  holy, 
heavenly,  and  undefiled  Lord  and  Husband,  will  abundantly 
recompense  whatsoever  want  or  inconvenience  may  come  by  the 


or   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  371 

absence  of  the  other.  The  best  course  is  to  turn  all  our  rea- 
sons and  discourse  into  prayers ;  for  he  only  can  help,  who 
is  Lord  of  sea  and  land,  and  hath  sole  power  of  life  and 
death. 

"  It  is  now  near  eleven  of  the  clock,  and  I  shall  write  again 
ere  long  (if  God  will) .  The  good  Lord  bless  thee  and  all  thy 
company.  My  broth,  and  sister  salute  you  all.  Commend  my 
hearty  love  to  my  good  sister  F.  and  all  the  rest.  Tell  her 
I  wrote  to  Mr.  Dummer  so  soon  as  I  came  to  town  ;  and,  if  I 
can,  I  will  speak  with  him,  before  John  go  down.  So  I  kiss 
my  sweet  wife,  and  rest 

"Thy  frail,  yet  faithful  husband, 

"Jo.    WiNTHROP. 
"January  31,  1629." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  most  dear  Husband, — I  should  not  now  omit  any 
opportunity  of  writing  to  thee,  considering  I  shall  not  long  have 
thee  to  write  unto.  But,  by  reason  of  my  unfitness  at  this 
time,  I  must  entreat  thee  to  accept  of  a  few  lines  from  me,  and 
not  to  impute  it  to  any  M^ant  of  love,  or  neglect  of  my  duty  to 
thee,  to  whom  I  owe  more  than  I  shall  ever  be  able  to  express. 
My  request  now  shall  be  'to  the  Lord  to  prosper  thee  in  thy 
voyage,  and  enable  thee  and  fit  thee  for  it,  and  give  all  graces 
and  gifts  for  such  employments  as  he  shall  call  thee  to.  I  trust 
God  will  once  more  bring  us  together  before  you  go,  that  we 
may  see  each  other  with  gladness,  and  take  solemn  leave,  till 
we,  through  the  goodness  of  our  God,  shall  meet  in  New  Eng- 
land, which  will  be  a  joyful  day  to  us.  I  send  thee  here  en- 
closed letters  from  Mr.  P.  My  good  sister  F.  remembers  her 
love  to  you,  and,  it  seemeth,  hath  written  so  earnestly  to  Mr. 
P.  not  to  come,  that  he  doth  forbear  to  come  till  he  hear  more. 
I  think  she  would  have  you  send  him  word  to  come  as  soon  as 
he  can,  being  desirous  to  speak  with  him  before  you  go  ;  but  it 
must  not  come  from  herself,  for  she  will  write  to  him  to  stay 


372  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

still.  ^  She  saitli,  that  he  shall  not  need  to  provide  any  thing 
but  a  house,  for  she  will  furnish  it  herself.  And  thus,  with  my 
best  wishes  to  God  for  thy  health  and  welfare,  I  take  my  leave, 
and  rest 

"Thy  faithful,  and  obedient  wife, 

"Margaeet  Winthrop. 

•'January  the  last." 

Forth  Winthrop  to  Ms  Father. 

"  Most  loving  father,  —  S"",  my  uncle  Gostling  received 
a  letter  from  Colechester  to  my  brother  John,  &  thinkinge  it 
had  concerned  some  businesse  about  the  carriage  of  yo*'  goods 
thither,  brake  it  open,  wherein  perceiving  that  there  was  de- 
clared the  Scearchers  demande  custome,  &  my  Lord  Chamber- 
line  his  warrant,  or  else  to  search  the  goods,  (as  you  shall  see 
expressed  in  that  letter,  w'^'^  I  have  sent  you  enclosed  in  this,) 
my  uncle  Gostlinge  desired  me  to  write  to  you,  to  entreate  you 
to  send  downe  directions  to  us  what  you  would  have  done  in 
this  businesse ;  &  if  you  have  my  Lord  Chamberline  his  war- 
rant (if  you  shall  see  soe  fitting)  to  send  it  downe,  y*  the 
Scearchers  may  see  it  for  there  satisfaction  :  Thus  hopinge  of 
yo'^  wealfare,  desiringe  yo'^  prayers  &  blessinge,  &  beseeching 
Allmighty  God  to  blesse  &  prosper  you  in  these  yo'"  waighty 
affaires,  entreatinge  you  if  you  can  conveniently  to  send  me 
downe  an  hatte  of  w'^'^  I  stand  in  need,  &  to  remember  my  ser- 
vice to  my  uncle  &  Aunt  Downing  &  my  love  to  my  brothers 
w^  you.  W*'^  my  most  humble  duty  to  yo''  selfe  remembred  I 
rest  &  remayne 

"  Yo'"  obedient  Sonne  "  Forth  Winthrop. 

"ffrom  Groton  ffeb :  2.  1629: 

"  My  Aunt  Fones  desires  to  be  remembred  to  you,  &  my 
cosen  Ursula  w***  her  duty  remembred  beseecheth  yo'"  praiers  & 
blessinge." 

1  The  letter  of  Priscilla  Fones,  which  has  already  been  given  in  this  chapter,  will 
suiBciently  show  that  all  this  diplomacy  had  reference  to  her  approaching  engagement 
to  Mr.  Painter. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  373 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  very  lovinge  Wife  M"  Wiijthrop  the  elder  at  Groton,  in  Suffk. 

"My  saveet  wife,  —  Thy  love  is  such  to  me,  &  so  great  is 
the  bonde  betweene  us,  that  I  should  neglect  all  others  to  hold 
correspondencye  of  lettres  w*  thee  :  but  I  knowe  thou  art  wil- 
linge  to  dispense  w'**  somewhat  of  thine  owne  right,  to  give  me 
lib'^  to  satisfie  my  other  occasions  for  the  present,  w'^'^  call  me  to 
much  writinge  this  eveninge.  Otherwise  I  would  have  returned 
a  larger  answeare  to  thy  sweet  lettre.  I  prayse  God  we  are  all 
in  health,  &  we  goe  on  cheerfully  in  o*"  businesse  :  I  purpose 
(if  God  will)  to  be  with  thee  upon  Thursdaye  come  senight,  & 
then  I  must  take  my  Farewell  of  thee,  for  a  Sumers  daye  &  a 
winters  daye.  The  Lorde  o''  good  God  will  (I  hope)  sende  us 
a  happye  meetinge  againe  in  his  good  tyme  :  Amen.  Coinende 
me  kindly  to  my  good  sister  fF:  I  would  have  written  to  her, 
but  I  canot,  havinge  6  :  Lettres  to  write.  I  wrote  to  M''  P. 
Tell  my  sister  that  her  mother  is  brought  in  bedd  &  the  child 
dead,  &  she  in  great  danger.  Among  other  thinges  let  the 
brassen  quart  in  the  Larder  howse  be  putt  up  ;  &  my  gray 
cloake  &  the  coate  w'^'^  was  my  brother  ffones  :  &  let  this  war- 
rant inclosed  be  sent  to  Colchester  to  M"^  Sam^  Borrowes  by  the 
next  tyme  the  carte  goes.  The  Lord  blesse  thee  my  sweet  wife 
w^^  all  o""  children  :  my  brother  &  sister  salute  you  all :  my 
sonnes  remember  their  love  &  dutye  :  coinend  my  love  to  all, 
farewell. 

"Thy  faithfuU  husband,  "Jo:  Winthrop. 

"  Lett  M''  Dudleys  thinges  be  sent  up  next  week. 

"Feb:  5.  1629. 

"Remember  to  putt  me  up  some  Cardons  &  Card°^  seed.^ 
"Beinge  now  ready  to  send  away  my  Lettres,  I  received 
tliine ;   the  readinge  of  it  has  dissolved  my  head  into  tears.     I 

1  Cardo&n,  a  plant  used  for  soups  and  salads.  —  Worcester. 


374  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

can  write  no  more.  If  I  live  I  will  see  thee  ere  I  goe.^  I  shall 
parte  from  thee  with  sorrowe  enough ;  be  comfortable  my  most 
sweet  wife,  o'  God  wilbe  w*"*  thee.     Farewell." 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"To  my  verye  lovinge  Wife  M"  Winthrop  the  elder  at  Groton  in 

Suffk. 

"My  sweet  Wife, — I  must  now  answeare  2  :  Lettres  of 
thine,  w*^  one  shorte  one  :  Let  this  make  some  supply e,  that  (if 
God  will)  I  wilbe  w*^  thee  on  thursdaye  next,  therefore  let  John 
come  up  w*''  my  horses  on  Mundaye.  Blessed  be  the  Lorde  o"" 
heavenly  father,  for  all  his  mercye  &  goodnesse  towards  us ; 
that  we. may  yet  heare  thus  comfortably  each  from  other,  & 
hope  of  a  meetinge  soone  in  peace,  to  be  an  embleme  to  us  of 
o"^  sweet  &  happy  meetinge  in  N :  E  :  by  the  same  power  & 
mercye  of  o*"  heavenly  Father :  but  I  must  ende :  o""  freinds 
heer  salute  thee  &  all  the  rest.  Coinende  my  love  &  blessinge 
to  o""  children  &  to  all  o''  freinds.  The  Lorde  be  w"'  thee  my 
sweet  wife :    farewell. 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"Feb:  11.  1629." 

Margaret  Winthrop  to  her  Husband. 

"My  deare  Husband,  —  I  received  thy  sweet  letter,  and 
doe  blesse  God  for  all  his  mercyes  to  us,  in  the  continuance  of 
thy  health  and  welfayre,  and  the  rest  of  us  heare.  I  am  glad 
to  heere  you  wil  come  home  this  weike,  for  I  desire  to  enioy  thy 
sweete  presence  as  ofte  as  I  can,  before  that  longe  partinge 
come  w'^''  I  desyre  the  Lord  to  fit  us  for,  and  give  me  fayth  and 
pacience  to  submite  unto  his  will  in  all  thinges  w'^^  he  requires 
at  my  hands*  I  trust  he  wil  sanctify  it  to  me  and  give  me  a 
right  use  of  it,  that  I  may  theareby  learn  the  more  to  depend 

1  The  words  in  italics  are  almost  illegible ;  the  paper  having  evidently  been  wet,  — 
it  may  be,  with  the  very  tears  of  which  he  writes. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHROP.  375 

upon  him ;  when  other  comforters  fiiyle  me,  I  hope,  he  will 
supply  by  the  comfort  of  his  holy  spirit  in  the  assurance  of  his 
love  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Savior.  I  see  thy  love  to 
me  and  mine,  my  good  Husband,  is  more  then  I  can  deserve, 
and  thou  art  more  willing  to  grant  then  I  forward  to  desyre : 
the  good  Lord  requit  thee  all  thy  kindnesse  to  me,  but  I  will 
say  no  more  of  this  till  you  come  home,  I  beseech  the  Lord 
to  send  us  a  comforttable  meetinge,  and  thus  with  my  best  love 
to  thy  selfe,  my  brother  and  sister  Downinge,  &  all  the  rest  of 
our  frends,  I  desyre  the  Lord  to  send  thee  a  good  end  of  al  thy 
troubles  and  inable  thee  to  goe  through  them  cherefuUy,  as  I 
trust  he  will  not  fayle  thee,  into  whose  hands  I  commit  thee 
and  rest  "thy  faithful  and  obedyent  wife 

"Margaret  Winthrope. 

"  My  sister  Fones,  my  sonnes  and  daughters,  remember  thear 
love  and  duty  to  you  and  brother  and  sister  D." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  sweet  Wife, — I  wrote  to  thee  yesterdaye :  &  this 
day  o*"  Company  hath  spent  in  prayer  &  fastinge,  &  the  Lorde 
hath  been  pleased  to  assist  us  gratiously  ;  blessed  be  his  name  : 
I  doubt  not  but  thou  &  all  o^  familye  shall  have  parte  in  the 
answeare  of  o""  prayers.  This  eveninge  about  10  :  of  the  clocke 
M"^  Painter  came  to  me :  he  intendes  to  be  at  Groton  on  teus- 
daye  next.  I  expect  my  horses  on  teusdaye  night,  &  so  (if 
Grod  will)  I  purpose  to  be  at  Groton  on  thursdaye  night,  or  els 
at  ]\Ir.  Gurdons  on  fryday  at  noone.  No  we  the  good  Lord 
blesse  &  keepe  thee  &  all  thine.  So  w*'^  all  o"^  salut^  to  you  all 
in  hast  I  ende  &  rest 

"  Thy  faithfull  husband  :  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"I  sent  downe  by  Jervais  some  rice,  &  2  :  couple  of  o""  N: 
EngP  fish. 

"Let  Brease,  M""  Huggins  sonne  in  Lawe,  have  notice  to 
send  up  his  tooles  this  weeke. 

"Feb:  12.  1629." 


376  XITE   AND   LETTERS 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  sweet  Wife, — The  opportunity  of  so  fit  a  messen- 
ger, and  my  deep  engagement  of  affection  to  thee,  makes  me 
write  at  this  time,  though  I  hope  to  follow  soon  after.  The 
Lord  our  God  hath  oft  brought  us  together  with  comfort,  when 
we  have  been  long  absent ;  and,  if  it  be  good  for  us,  he  will  do 
so  still.  When  I  was  in  Ireland,  he  brought  us  together  again. 
When  I  was  sick  here  at  London,  he  restored  us  together 
again.  How  many  dangers,  near  death,  hast  thou  been  in  thy- 
self!  and  yet  the  Lord  hath  granted  me  to  enjoy  thee  still.  If 
he  did  not  watch  over  us,  we  need  not  go  over  sea  to  seek 
death  or  misery :  we  should  meet  it  at  every  step,  in  every 
journey.  And  is  not  he  a  God  abroad  as  well  as  at  home?  Is 
not  his  power  and  providence  the  same  in  New  England  that  it 
hath  been  in  Old  England?  If  oUr  ways  please  him,  he  can 
command  deliverance  and  safety  in  all  places,  and  can  make 
the  stones  of  the  field  and  the  beasts,  yea,  the  raging  seas,  and 
our  very  enemies,  to  be  in  league  with  us.  But,  if  we  sin 
against  him,  he  can  raise  up  evil  against  us  out  of  our  own 
bowels,  houses,  estates,  etc.  My  good  wife,  trust  in  the  Lord, 
whom  thou  hast  found  faithful.  He  will  be  better  to  thee  than 
any  husband,  and  will  restore  thee  thy  husband  with  advantage. 
But  I  must  end,  with  all  our  salutations,  with  which  I  have 
laden  this  bearer,  that  he  may  be  the  more  kindly  welcome. 
So  I  kiss  my  sweet  wife,  and  bless  thee  and  all  ours,  and  rest 

"  Thine  ever,  "  Jo.  Winthrop. 

"February  14,  1629. 

"  Thou  must  be  my  valentine,  for  none  hath  challenged  me." 


OF  JOHN   WINTHEOP.  377 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

WINTHEOP'S   LAST   VISIT   TO    GROTON.     HIS    RETURN   TO    LONDON, 
.  ON    HIS    "WAY    TO    SOUTHAMPTON   TO    EMBARK    FOR    NEW  ENG- 
LAND.    FAREWELL  LETTERS  TO    HIS  WIFE,  AND    OTHER    CORRE- 
SPONDENTS. 

WiNTHROp  returned  to  Groton  for  the  last  time  soon  after 
the  date  of  the  letter  which  closes  our  last  chapter.  The 
time  for  "  the  long  parting  "  had  at  length  arrived.  His 
final  departure  from  the  old  homestead,  which  had  been 
the  scene  of  his  earlier  as  well  as  of  his  maturer  years, 
and  where  were  the  graves  not  only  of  his  father  and 
mother,  but  of  others  who  had  been  nearer  and  dearer 
to  him  still,  took  place  during  the  last  week  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1630.  He  went  down  to  London  by  the  way  of 
Maplested,  the  seat  of  his  wife's  family ;  and  soon  after 
proceeded  to  Southampton,  where  he  awaited  the  arri- 
val of  the  ships  which  were  to  bear  the  Massachusetts 
Company  to  New  England.  He  embarked  at  length  on 
the  22d  of  March ;  but  the  ships  were  detained  by  bad 
winds  at  Cowes,  and  again  at  Yarmouth,  in  the  Isle  of 
Wight.  His  letters  from  all  these  places  to  his  wife  and 
others  are  full  of  interest,  not  merely  as  showing  the  ten- 
derness of  his  affections  and  his  mifailing  trust  in  God,  but 
as  containing  many  incidents  connected  with  the  outset 
of  this  memorable  embarkation.     There  is  something  of 

48 


378  LITE   AND   LETTERS 

poetical  beauty,  as  well  as  of  pious  sentiment,  in  the 
agreement,  which  is  more  than  once  referred  to  as  having 
been  made  between  his  wife  and  himself,  that  they  would 
remember  each  other  every  Monday  and  Friday  evening, 
between  the  hours  of  five  and  six,  and  "  meet  in  spirit 
before  the  Lord."  Shakspeare,  not  long  before,  had  put 
the  same  thought  into  the  mouth  of  Imogen,  when,  on 
having  parted  with  Posthumus,  she  complains  that  her 
father's  angry  entrance  had  interrupted  her  — 

"Ere  I  could  tell  him, 
How  would  I  think  on  him,  at  certain  hours, 
Such  thoughts,  and  such ;  •  .  . 
...  or  have  charged  him, 

At  the  sixth  hour  of  morn,  at  noon,  at  midnight. 
To  encounter  me  with  orisons ;  for  then 
I  am  in  heaven  for  him." 

But  Posthumus  was  not  in  his  forty-thkd  year,  as  Win- 
throp  was ;  nor  Imogen  in  her  thkty-ninth.  And  cer- 
tainly we  doubt  whether  the  language  of  real  affection 
on  a  real  occasion  was  ever  more  ardently  and  exquisitely 
expressed  than  in  the  following  passage  of  John  Win- 
throp's  letter  to  his  wife,  "  from  aboard  the  Arbella, 
riding  at  the  Cowes,  March  28,  1630:"  — 

"And  now,  my  sweet  soul,  I  must  once  again  take  my  last 
farewell  of  thee  in  Old  England.  It  goeth  very  near  to  my 
heart  to  leave  thee ;  but  I  know  to  whom  I  have  committed 
thee,  even  to  Him,  who  loves  thee  much  better  than  any  hus- 
band can;  who  hath  taken  account  of  the  hairs  of  thy  head, 
and  puts  all' thy  tears  in  his  bottle ;  who  can,  and  (if  it  be  for 
his  glory)  will,  bring  us  together  again  with  peace  and  com- 
fort. Oh,  how  it  refresheth  my  heart  to  think,  that  I  shall  yet 
again  see  thy  sweet  face  in  the  land  of  the  living  !  —  that  lovely 


OF  JOJm  WINTHROP.  379 

countenance  that  I  have  so  much  delighted  in,  and  beheld  with 
so  great  content !  I  have  hitherto  been  so  taken  up  with  busi- 
ness, as  I  could  seldom  look  back  to  my  former  happiness  ;  but 
now  when  I  shall  be  at  some  leisure,  I  shall  not  avoid  the  re- 
membrance of  thee,  nor  the  grief  for  thy  absence.  Thou  hast 
thy  share  with  me,  but  I  hope  the  course  we  have  agreed  upon 
will  be  some  ease  to  us  both.  Mondays  and  Fridays,  at  five  of 
the  clock  at  night,  we  shall  meet  in  spirit  till  we  meet  in  per- 
son. Yet  if  all  these  hopes  should  fail,  blessed  be  our  God, 
that  we  are  assured  we  shall  meet  one  day,  if  not  as  husband 
and  wife,  yet  in  a  better  condition.  Let  that  stay  and  comfort 
thine  heart.  Neither  can  the  sea  drown  thy  husband,  nor  ene- 
mies destroy,  nor  any  adversity  depi'ive  thee  of  thy  husband 
or  children.  Therefore  I  will  only  take  thee  now  and  my  sweet 
childi'en  in  mine  arms,  and  kiss  and  embrace  you  all,  and  so 
leave  you  with  God.  Farewell,  farewell.  I  bless  you  all  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 


There  are  other  passages  in  these  letters,  of  almost 
equal  pathos  and  beauty ;  but  no  reader  will  fail  to  dis- 
cover them  for  himself. 

Among  the  letters  never  before  printed,  that  of  March 
10,  from  London,  is  of  pecuhar  interest;  recounting,  as 
it  does,  the  parting  kiadnesses  which  had  been  shown 
him,  not  only  by  the  Lady  Mildmay  and  the  Downings, 
and  others  of  his  friends  and  neighbors,  but  by  some  who 
had  been  "  meer  strangers  "  to  him ;  and  showing  how 
"  the  eyes  and  hearts  of  all  good  people  "  were  upon  him 
and  the  Company,  "  breathuig  many  sweet  prayers  and 
blessings  after  them." 

In  neither  of  the  letters  from  Southampton  is  there 
any  allusion  to  the  presence  of  John  Cotton,  or  to  the 
sermon  which  he  is  said  to  have  preached  there ;    but 


380  ■  LITE   AND   LETTEES 

such  an  omission  is  by  no  means  conclusive  evidence  that 
Winthrop  was  not  among  the  edified  listeners  to  that 
memorable  discourse.  His  letters  from  there  are  very 
brief ;  and  he  says,  as  an  excuse  for  not  writing  more 
fully,  "  Here  I  meet  with  so  much  company  and  busi- 
ness, as  I  am  forced  to  borrow  of  my  sleep  for  this." 
And  so  we  wUl  still  trust  that  his  heart  was  encouraged 
by  heariag  the  faitliful  minister  of  Old  Boston,  who  was 
so  soon  to  become  his  companion  and  pastor  in  New 
Boston,  deliver  "  God's  Promise  to  his  Plantation,"  -^  and 
follow  it  with  his  prayers  and  benedictions. 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  very  loving  "Wife,  Mrs.  Wintlirop,  at  Groton. 

"  Mine  own  sweet  Self,  —  I  bless  God,  our  heavenly 
Father,  we  are  all  come  safe  to  Maplested,  where  we  find  all  in 
health.  I  have  nothing  to  write  to  thee,  but  an  expression  of 
my  dearest  and  most  faithful  affection  to  thee,  and  my  dear 
children  and  friends  with  thee.  Be  comfortable  and  courage- 
ous, my  sweet  wife.  Fear  nothing.  I  am  assured  the  Lord  is 
with  us,  and  will  be  with  thee.  Thou  shalt  find  it  in  the  need- 
ful time.  Cleave  to  thy  faithful  Lord  and  Husband,  Christ 
Jesus,  into  whose  blessed  arms  I  have  put  thee,  to  whose  care 
I  have  and  do  commend  thee  and  all  thine.     Once  again  I  kiss 


1  This  discourse  was  printed  at  London  in  1630,  with  a  preface  signed  "J.  H.;" 
undoubtedly  written  by  John  Humphrey.  The  principal  authority  for  the  statement 
that  it  was  delivered  before  the  Massachusetts  Company  at  Southampton  is  Joshua 
Scottowe,  in  his  Narrative  of  the  Planting  of  the  Massachusetts  Colony,  first  published 
in  1694,  and  reprinted  in  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  vol.  iv.,  fourth  series,  pp.  279,  290-5. 
Contemporaneous  testimony  is  found  in  the  following  passage  from  the  "  Diary  of  John 
Eous,"  a  Suffolk  man,  under  date  of  1630 :  "  Some  little  while  since,  the  Company  went 
to  New  England  under  Mr.  Wintrop.  Mr.  Cotton,  of  Boston  in  Lincolnshire,  went  to 
theire  departure  about  Gravesend,  &  preached  to  them,  as  we  heare,  out  of  2  Samuel, 
vii.  10.  It  is  said  that  he  is  prohibited  for  preaching  any  more  in  England  then  untill 
June  24  next  now  comming."  — "  Diary  of  John  Rous,"  Camden  Society's  Publications, 
No.  66,  pp.  53,  54. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  381 

and  embrace  my  sweet  wife.  Farewell ;  the  Lord  bless  thee  and 
all  thy  company.  Commend  me  to  all,  and  to  all  our  good 
friends  and  neighbors,  and  remember  Monday  and  Friday 
between  five  and  six. 

"Thy  faithful  husband,  "Jo.  Winthrop. 

"  My  son  Henry  must  come  by  Maplested  to  seal  a  writing, 
which  I  left  there." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 
"  To  INIi-s.  Marg.  Winthrop  at  Groton  with  haste. 

"IMiisrE  o^visr  dear  Heart,  —  I  praise  God,  we  are  all  in 
health  at  Chelmsford  this  morning.  My  son  F.  came  to  us 
last  night  about  ten  of  the  clock.  Om-  two  boys  are  lusty 
travellers,  and  God's  providence  hath  fitted  them  with  so  good 
means  for  their  carriage,  as  we  could  not  desire  better.  I  thank 
thee  for  thy  kind  tokens.  I  have  nothing  to  return  thee  but 
love  and  prayers  for  thee  and  thine.  The  blessing  of  the  Lord 
be  upon  thee  and  them.  My  son  Hen.  must  go  by  Maplested. 
Pray  liim  to  call  to  my  brother  Tindale  for  £100,  and  bring  it 
with  him.  It  is  in  gold.  Send  John  Hardinge  when  thou  wilt. 
Commend  us  to  all  our  friends,  broth.  G.  and  sister,  Mr.  Leigh, 
goodwife  Cole,  all  at  Castleins,  and  all  that  love  us.  We  aU 
here  salute  you  all.  You  must  divide  it  at  leisure,  with  my 
love  and  blessing  to  all  our  children  and  the  rest  in  our  family. 
Farewell,  my  sweet  wife,  and  be  of  good  comfort.  The  Lord 
is  with  us.  He  hath  sent  his  servants  to  bless  us,  &  we  shall 
be  blessed.     Kiss  me,  my  sweet  wife.     Farewell. 

"  Thy  faithful  husband,  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"Tliis  Saturday  Morxing.'" 

1  The  date  of  27th  November,  1627,  is  affixed  to  this  letter  in  the  Appendix  to  Win- 
throp's  History  of  New  England ;  but  we  were  convinced  that  some  mistake  must  have 
occurred  in  regard  to  it.  The  letter  bears  internal  evidence  of  belonging  here.  Chelms- 
ford was  his  next  stage  to  Maplested,  in  this  last  journey  from  Groton  to  London. 
While  this  chapter  is  going  through  the  press,  the  original  letter  has  come  to  light,  and 
our  conjectxrre  is  sufficiently  verified.  The  Governor  himself  has  given  no  date  to  the 
letter ;  and  the  date  of  November,  1627,  is  indorsed  by  a  very  modem  hand. 


382  LITE    AND   LETTERS 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  deaee  Wife, — I  prayse  God  we  came  all  safe  to 
London  &  continue  in  health  :  I  thinke  we  shall  not  goe  from 
London  till  the  ende  of  this  weeke  or  the  beginninge  of  the 
next :  &  therefore  I  hope  to  write  to  thee  againe  from  hence. 
I  am  full  of  businesse  &  cahot  write  as  I  desire  :  I  knowe  thy 
love  will  accept  of  any  thinge.  The  Lorde  in  mercy e  blesse  & 
keepe  thee  &  all  thine.  Corhende  my  love  to  all,  farewell  my 
deare  Wife  &  be  of  good  comfort  in  the  Lorde. 

"  Thy  faithfuU  husband  "  Jo  :  Wintheop. 

"March  1:  1629. 

"  The  monye  thou  hast  it  were  not  amisse  if  thou  didest  sende 
the  most  of  it  &  of  thy  plate  to  my  brother  Gostlings  in  some 
stronge  chest." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  London,  March  2,  1629. 

"Mine  own  dear  Heart, — I  must  confess,  thou  hast 
overcome  me  with  thy  exceeding  great  love,  and  those  abun- 
dant expressions  of  it  in  thy  sweet  letters,  which  savour  of  more 
than  an  ordinary  spirit  of  love  and  piety.  Blessed  be  the  Lord 
our  God,  that  gives  strength  and  comfort  to  thee  to  undergo 
this  great  trial,  which,  I  must  confess,  would  be  too  heavy  for 
thee,  if  the  Lord  did  not  put  under  his  hand  in  so  gracious  a 
measure.  Let  this  experience  of  his  faithfulness  to  thee  in  this 
first  trial,  be  a  ground  to  establish  thy  heart  to  believe  and 
expect  his  help  in  all  that  may  follow.  It  grieveth  me  much, 
that  I  want  time  and  freedom  of  mind  to  discourse  with  thee 
(my  faithful  yokefellow)  in  those  things,  which  thy  sweet  letters 
offer  me  so  plentiful  occasion  for.  I  beseech  the  Lord,  I  may 
{have  liberty  to  supply  it,  ere  I  depart ;  for  I  cannot  thus  leave 
thee.  Our  two  boys  and  James  Downing,  John  Samford  and 
Mary  M.  and  most  of  my  servants,  are  gone  this  day  towards 
South  Hampton.     The  good  Lord  be  with  them  and  us  all. 


OF   JOIIN  WINTHROP.  383 

Goodman  Hawes  was  with  me,  and  very  kindly  offers  to  bring 
his  wife  to  Groton  about  the  beginning  of  April,  and  so  stay 
till  thyself  and  my  daughter  ^  be  in  bed ;  so  as  thou  shalt  not 
need  take 'care  for  a  midwife.  Ah,  my  most  kind  and  dear 
wife,  how  sweet  is  thy  love  to  me  I  The  Lord  bless  thee  and 
thine  with  the  blessings  from  above  and  from  beneath,  of  the 
right  hand  and  the  left,  with  plenty  of  favor  and  peace  here, 
and  eternal  glory  hereafter.  All  here  are  in  health,  (I  praise 
God,)  and  salute  thee.  Remember  my  love  and  blessing  to 
our  children,  and  my  salutations  to  all  as  thou  knowest.  So  I 
kiss  and  embrace  thee,  and  rest 

"Tliineever,  "Jo.  Winthrop." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  my  verye  loving  Wife  Mrs.  "Winthrop  the  elder  at  Groton,  Suf- 
folk. 

"London  March  10:  1629. 

"Mine  ow]s:e,  mfne  onely,  jniy  best  beloved, — Me- 
thinkes  it  is  verye  longe  since  I  sawe  or  heard  from  my  beloved, 
&  I  misse  allreadye  the  sweet  comfort  of  thy  most  desired  pre- 
sence :  but  the  rich  mercye  &  goodnesse  of  my  God  makes 
supplye  of  all  wants  :  Blessed  be  his  great  &  holy  name.  Ah 
my  good  wife,  we  noAV  finde  what  blessinge  is  stored  up  in  the 
favour  of  the  Lorde ;  he  only  sweetens  all  conditions  to  us,  he 
takes  our  cares  &  feares  from  us,  he  supports  us  in  our  dangers, 
he  disposeth  all  our  affaires  for  us,  he  will  guide  us  by  his  coun- 
sell  in  our  pilgrimage,  &  after  will  bringe  us  to  glorye. 

"John  is  returned  from  S:  Hampton,  where  he  lefte  our 
boyes  well  &  merry e  :  &  this  morninge  we  are  ridinge  thither, 
&  from  thence  I  shall  take  my  last  farewell  of  thee  till  we  meet 
in  new  E  :  or  till  midsomer  that  it  please  God  our  shipps  re- 
turne.     My  deare  wife  be  of  good  courage,  it  shall  goe  well 


1  Doubtless  this  was  Henry's  wife.    Her  daughter  Martha  was  baptized  at  Groton, 
May  9  following. 


384  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

witli  thee  &  us,  the  hairs  of  thy  head  are  numb  red,  he  who 
gave  his  onely  beloved  to  dye  for  thee,  will  give  his  Angells 
charge  over  thee  :  therefore  rayse  up  thy  thoughts,  &  be  merrye 
in  the  Lorde,  labour  to  live  by  thy  Faith ;  if  thou  meet  with 
troubles  or  difficidtyes,  be  not  dismayed ;  God  doth  use  to 
bringe  his  cliildren  into  the  streights  of  the  redd  sea  &c,  that  he 
may  shew  his  power  &  mercye  in  makinge  a  waye  for  them  : 
All  his  courses  towards  us,  are  but  to  make  us  knowe  him  & 
love  him  ;  the  more  thy  heart  drawes  towards  him  in  this,  the 
freer  shall  thy  condition  be  from  the  evill  of  Affliction. 

"Our  friends  heer  are -all  in  health  (blessed  be  God)  &  de- 
sire to  be  hearty ly  coiiiended  to  thee.  I  am  exceedingly  behold- 
inge  to  my  good  brother  &  sister  D,  I  can  fasten  no  recompence 
upon  them  for  all  the  chardge  my  selfe  &  my  company  have 
putt  them  to.  I  have  received  much  kindnesse  also  from  my 
Lady  Mildmay  &  from  others,  whereof  some  have  been  meer 
strangers  to  me,  the  Lord  reward  them  :  It  doth  much  in- 
courage  us  to  see,  how  the  eyes  &  hearts  of  all  good  people 
are  upon  us,  breathinge  many  sweet  prayers  &  blessings  after 
us.  Comende  my  hearty  love  to  all  our  friends,  I  cannot  now 
name  them,  but  thou  knowest  whom  I  meane.  No  we  I  beseech 
the  Lord  &  father  of  mercye  to  blesse  thee  &  all  thy  companye, 
my  daughter  W  :  Ma :  Mat :  Sam  :  Deane,  &  the  little  one  un- 
knowne,  Tho  :  Am  :  ^  &  the  rest :  Tell  Am  :  I  am  very  much 
beholdinge  to  her  brother,  desire  her  to  give  him  thanks  for  me  : 
tell  my  n :  Culproke  I  am  beholdinge  to  his  sonne  in  lawe  for 
oysters  he  sent  me,  but  could  not  see  him  to  give  him  thankes. 
My  deare  wife  farewell,  once  againe  let  us  kisse  &  imbrace,  so 
in  teares  of  great  Affection  I  rest 

"  Thine  ever  "  Jo  :  Winthrop." 


1  The  persons  indicated  by  Tho :  and  Am :  were  undoubtedly  his  servants  Thomas 
and  Amy.  The  others,  previously  alluded  to,  were  Henry's  wife,  his  own  daughter 
Marj',  Martha  Tones  (afterwards  the  wife  of  his  son  John),  and  his  sons  Samuel  and 
Deane. 


OF   JOHN  WINTHEOP.  385 


John  Winihrop  to  his  Wife. 

"Mine  only  Best-beloved, — I  now  salute  thee  from 
South  Hampton,  where,  by  the  Lord's  mercy,  we  are  all  safe  ; 
but  the  winds  have  been  such  as  our  ships  are  not  yet  come. 
We  wait  upon  God,  hoping  that  he  will  dispose  all  for  the  best 
unto  us.  I  supposed  I  should  have  found  leisure  to  have  writ- 
ten more  fully  to  thee  by  this  bearer ;  but  here  I  meet  with  so 
much  company  and  business,  as  I  am  forced  to  borrow  of  my 
sleep  for  this.  I  purpose  to  redeem  this  loss  before  I  go  hence, 
and  to  write  to  divers  of  my  friends.  I  must  entreat  thee  to 
supply  this  defect  by  remembering  me  in  the  kindest  manner 
to  them  all.  And  now  (my  dear  wife)  what  shall  I  say  to 
thee?  I  am  full  of  matter  and  affection  toward  thee,  but  want 
time  to  express  it.  I  beseech  the  good  Lord  to  take  care  of 
thee  and  thine  ;  to  seal  up  his  loving  kindness  to  thy  soul ;  to 
fill  thee  with  the  sweet  comfort  of  his  presence,  that  may  uphold 
thee  in  this  time  of  trial ;  and  grant  us  this  mercy,  that  we  may 
see  the  faces  of  each  other  again  in  the  time  expected.  So, 
loving  thee  truly,  and  tender  of  thy  welfare,  studying  to  bestow 
thee  safe,  where  I  may  have  thee  again,  I  leave  thee  in  the  arms 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  our  sweet  Saviour,  and,  with  many  kisses 
and  embracings,  I  rest 

"Thine  only,  and  ever  thine, 

"Jo.    WiNTHROP. 
•'  South  IL45ipton,  March  14,  1629. 

"  The  good  Lord  bless  our  children  and  all  thy  company. 
"Do  thou  bless  these  here,  and  pray,  pray  for  us. 
"  Give  Mrs.  Leigh  many  thanks  for  her  horse,,  and  remember 
to  requite  it." 


49 


386  LITE    AND    LETTERS 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  verye  lovinge  sonne  M""  John  Winthrop  at  M""  Downing's  house 
in  fleetstreet  neere  the  Conduitt,  London. 

"My  good  Sonne,  —  The  Lord  blesse  thee  ever. 

"  It  hathe  pleased  him  of  his  riche  iriercye  to  bringe  us  all 
hither  In  safetye,  blessed  be  his  name.  Our  shippes  are  not  yet 
come  about ;  so  as  we  knowe  not  when  we  shall  departe,  but  o"" 
eyes  are  towards  o^  God,  who  hath  putt  us  Into  his  service,  & 
wllbe  w*'*  us  to  the  ende  :  I  have  not  yet  any  ley  sure,  &  there- 
fore caiit  write  to  suche  of  my  good  frelnds  as  I  desire,  but  I 
hope  to  gett  tyme  before  we  goe  :  make  what  convenient  hast 
you  can  to  y^  mother,  &  that  love  &  dutye  you  owe  to  me, 
exercise  It  towards  her  &  y""  brothers  &  sisters,  (I  have  no 
cause  to  doubt  of  it,  neither  doe  I) ,  the  Lord  will  reward  all  y'^ 
goodnesse  this  waye.  M"'  Dudlye  was  gone  to  the  Wight  be- 
fore we  came,  &  S""  Rlch'^^  Is  not  yet  come  to  us.  The  Lord 
poure  downe  his  blessings  upon  you,  bothe  the  blessings  of  the 
right  hand  &  the  lefte,  &  let  the  blessings  of  yo''  father  be  In- 
creased above  the  blessings  of  o'  ancestors,  upon  the  head  & 
heart  of  my  deare  sonne,  so  I  rest 

"  Yo""  lovinge  father  "  Jo  :  Winthrop. 

"  S  :  Hampton  March  14.  1629. 

"If  you  spare  any  money  lease  It  w*^  your  unckle,  for  I 
feare  I  shall  want  some." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 

"  To  my  very  loving  Son,  Mr.  John  Winthrop,  at  Groton,  Suffolk. 

"My  good  Son,  — We  are  now  going  to  the  ship,  under  the 
comfort  of  the- Lord's  gracious  protection  and  good  providence. 
I  pray  have  care  so  to  walk  with  God  In  faith  and  sincerity,  as, 
by  his  blessing,  we  may  meet  with  joy.     There  Is  newly  come 

1  Sir  Richard  Saltonstall. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  387 

into  our  company,  and  sworn  an  assistant,  one  Sir  Brian  Jan- 
son  of  London,  a  man  of  good  estate,  and  so  aflfected  with  our 
society,  as  he  hath  given  £50  to  our  common  stock,  and  £50 
to  the  joint  stock.     He  desires  to  be  acquainted  with  you. 

"  I  pray  pay  Bulbrooke  of  Wcnham  such  money  as  his  pro- 
visions cost  him,  about  30  or  40s.  and  receive  £12  of  goodman 
Pond  for  the  rest  of  liis  son's  two  cows,  (I  had  £10  before,) 
and  ask  him  for  their  passage  £10.  You  shall  receive  £5  for 
Edward  Palsford,  which  John  S.  hath  order  for.  I  pray  pay 
Mr.  GofFe  such  money  as  you  shall  receive  direction  for  from 
your  uncle  Downing. 

"We  are  now  come  safe  (I  praise  God)  to  the  Cowes.  The 
wind  is  now  very  fair,  (God  be  praised,)  and  we  are  preparing 
to  set  sail  this  night.  The  Lord  in  mercy  send  us  a  prosperous 
voyage.  Farewell,  my  dear  son.  The  Lord  bless  you  and  all 
my  children  and  friends.  Commend  me  to  them  all,  as  if  I 
named  them ;  for  I  am  in  great  straits  of  leisure.     So  I  rest 

"  Your  loving  father,  "  Jo.  Winthrop. 

"JMarch  22,  1629." 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 

"My  dear  Wipe, — I  wrote  to  thee,  when  I  went  from 
South  Hampton,  and  now  I  must  salute  thee  and  take  leave 
together  from  the  ship.  God  be  blessed,  the  wind  is  come  very 
fair,  and  we  are  all  in  health.  Our  children^  remember  their 
duties  and  desire  thy  blessing.  Commend  me  to  all  our  good 
friends,  as  I  wrote  in  my  former  letter,  and  be  comfortable,  and 
trust  in  the  Lord,  my  dear  wife,  pray,  pray.  He  is  our  God 
and  Father ;  we  are  in  covenant  with  him,  and  he  will  not  cast 
us  off.  So,  this  once  more,  I  kiss  and  embrace  thee  and  all  my 
children,  etc.,  etc. 

"  Thy  faithful  husband,  "Jo.  Winthrop. 

*•  From  aboard  the  Arbella,  riding  at  the  Cowes,  March  22,  1629." 
1  Henry,  Stephen,  and  Adam. 


388  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 

John  Winthr.op  to  his  Wife. 

"  To  Mrs.  Marg.  Winthrop,  the  elder,  at  Groton. 

"My  faithful  and  dear  Wipe, — It  pleaseth  God,  that 
thou  shouldst  once  again  hear  from  me  before  our  departure, 
and  I  hope  this  shall  come  safe  to  thy  hands.  I  know  it  will 
be  a  great  refreshing  to  thee.  And  blessed  be  his  mercy, 
that  I  can  write  thee  so  good  news,  that  we  are  all  in  very  good 
health,  and,  having  tried  our  ship's  entertainment  now  more 
than  a  week,  we  find  it  agree  very  well  with  us.  Our  boys  are 
well  and  cheerful,  and  have  no  mind  of  home.  They  lie  both 
with  me,  and  sleep  as  soundly  in  a  rug  (for  we  use  no  sheets 
here)  as  ever  they  did  at  Groton  ;  and  so  I  do  myself,  (I  praise 
God) .  The  wind  hath  been  against  us  this  week  and  more ; 
but  this  day  it  is  come  fair  to  the  north,  so  as  we  are  preparing 
(by  God's  assistance)  to  set  sail  in  the  morning.  We  have 
only  four  ships  ready,  and  some  two  or  three  Hollanders  go 
along  with  us.  The  rest  of  our  fleet  (being  seven  ships)  will 
not  be  ready  this  sennight.  We  have  spent  now  two  Sabbaths 
on  shipboard  very  comfortably,  (God  be  praised,)  and  are 
daily  more  and  more  encouraged  to  look  for  the  Lord's  presence 
to  go  along  with  us.  Henry  Kingsbury  hath  a  chUd  or  two  in 
the  Talbot  sick  of  the  measles,  but  like  to  do  well.  One  of  my 
men  had  them  at  Hampton,  but  he  was  soon  well  again.  We 
are,  in  all  our  eleven  ships,  about  seven  hundred  persons,  pas- 
sengers, and  two  hundred  and.  forty  cows,  and  about  sixty 
horses.  The  ship,  which  went  from  Plimouth,  carried  about 
one  hundred  and  forty  persons,  and  the  ship,  which  goes  from 
BristOM^e,  carrieth  about  eighty  persons.^  And  now  (my  sweet 
soul)  I  must  once  again  take  my  last  farewell  of  thee  in  Old 
England.  It  goeth  very  near  to  my  heart  to  leave  thee  ;  but  I 
know  to  whom  I  have  committed  thee,  even  to  him  who  loves 


1  The  ship  from  Plymouth  was  the  "Mary  and  John,"  which  carried  Maverick, 
Warham,  and  Roger  Clap.    From  Bristol  came  the  "Lion;"  "William  Pierce,  master. 


OF   JOirS   AVINTHEOP.  380 

thee  much  better  than  any  husband  can,  who  hath  taken  ac- 
count of  the  hairs  of  thy  head,  and  puts  all  thy  tears  in  his 
bottle,  who  can,  and  (if  it  be  for  his  glory)  will  bring  us  to- 
gether again  with  peace  and  comfort.  Oh,  how  it  refresheth 
my  heart,  to  think,  that  I  shall  yet  again  see  thy  sweet  face  in 
the  land  of  the  living  !  —  that  lovely  countenance,  that  I  have 
so  much  delighted  in,  and  beheld  with  so  great  content !  I 
have  liitherto  been  so  taken  up  with  business,  as  I  could  seldom 
look  back  to  my  former  happiness  ;  but  now,  when  I  shall  be 
at  some  leisure,  I  shall  not  avoid  the  remembrance  of  thee,  nor 
the  grief  for  thy  absence.  Thou  hast  thy  share  with  me,  but  I 
hope  the  course  we  have  agreed  upon  will  be  some  ease  to  us 
both.  Mondays  and  Fridays,  at  five  of  the  clock  at  night,  we 
shall  meet  in  spirit  till  we  meet  in  person.  Yet,  if  all  these 
hopes  should  fail,  blessed  be  om-  God,  that  we  are  assured  we 
shall  meet  one  day,  if  not  as  husband  and  wife,  yet  in  a  better 
condition.  Let  that  stay  and  comfort  th^  heart.  Neither  can 
the  sea  droAvn  thy  husband,  nor  enemies  destroy,  nor  any  adver- 
sity deprive  thee  of  thy  husband  or  cliildren.  Therefore  I  will 
only  take  thee  now  and  my  sweet  children  in  mine  arms,  and 
kiss  and  embrace  you  all,  and  so  leave  you  with  my  God. 
Farewell,  farewell.  I  bless  you  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus.  I  salute  my  daughter  Winth.  Matt.  Nan.  and  the  rest, 
and  all  my  good  neighbors  and  friends.  Pray  all  for  us.  Fare- 
well. Commend  my  blessing  to  my  son  John.  I  cannot  now 
write  to  him  ;  but  tell  him  I  have  committed  thee  and  thine  to 
him.  Labor  to  draw  him  yet  nearer  to  God,  and  he  will  be 
the  surer  staff  of  comfort  to  thee.  I  cannot  name  the  rest  of 
my  good  friends,  but  thou  canst  supply  it.  I  wrote,  a  week 
since,  to  thee  and  Mr.  Leigh,  and  divers  others. 

"Thine  wheresoever,  "Jo.  Winthkop. 

"  From  aboard  the  Arbella,  riding  at  the  CowES,  March  28,  1630. 

"  I  would  have  written  to  my  brother  and  sister  Gostling,  but 
it  is  near  midnight.  Let  this  excuse ;  and  commend  my  love 
to  them  and  all  theirs." 


390  LIFE    AND   LETTEES 


John  Winthrop  to  his  Wife. 


"  To  my  very  loving  Wife,  Mrs.  "Wintbrop,  the  elder,  at  Groton,  in 

Suffolk. 

"My  Love,  my  Joy,  my  faitheul  One,  — I  suppose  thou 
didst  not  expect  to  have  any  more  letters  from  me  till  the  return 
of  our  sliips  ;  but  so  is  the  good  pleasure  of  God,  that  the 
winds  should  not  serve  yet  to  carry  us  hence.  He  will  do  all 
things  in  his  own  time,  and  that  shall  be  for  the  best  in  the  end. 
We  acknowledge  it  a  great  mercy  to  us,  that  we  went  not  out 
to  sea  on  Monday,  when  the  wind  was  fair  for  one  day  ;  for  we 
had  been  exposed,  ever  since,  to  sore  tempests  and  contrary 
winds.  I  praise  God,  we  are  all  in  good  health,  and  want 
nothing.  For  myself,  I  was  never  at  more  liberty  of  body  and 
mind  these  many  years.  The  Lord  make  me  thankful  and  wise 
to  improve  his  blessings  for  the  furtherance  of  his  own  work. 
I  desire  to  resign  myself  wholly  to  his  gracious  disposing.  Oh 
that  I  had  an  heart  so  to  do,  and  to  trust  perfectly  in  him  for 
his  assistance  in  all  our  ways.  We  find  him  still  going  along 
with  us.  He  hath  brought  in  the  heart  of  the  master  of  our 
ghip  to  afford  us  all  good  respect,  and  to  join  with  us  in  every 
good  action.  Yesterday  he  caused  his  seamen  to  keep  a  fast 
with  us,  wherein  the  Lord  assisted  us  and  our  minister  very 
comfortably ;  and  when  five  of  the  clock  came,  I  had  respite  to 
remember  thee,  (it  being  Friday,)  and  to  parley  with  thee,  and 
to  meet  thee  in  spirit  before  the  Lord.  After  supper,  we  dis- 
covered some  notorious  lewd  persons  of  our  own  company, 
who,  in  time  of  our  fast,  had  committed  theft,  and  done  other 
villanies,  for  which  we  have  caused  them  to  be  severely  pun- 
ished. 

"  I  am  uncertain  whether  I  shall  have  opportunity  to  send 
these  to  thefe ;  for,  if  the  wind  turn,  we  shall  soon  be  gone. 
Therefore  I  will  not  write  much.  I  know  it  will  be  sufficient 
for  thy  present  comfort,  to  hear  of  our  welfare  ;  and  this  is  the 
third  letter  I  have  written  to  thee,  since  I  came  to  Hampton,  in 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  391 

requital  of  those  two  I  received  from  thee,  wliich  I  do  often 
read  with  much  delight,  apprehending  so  much  love  and  sweet 
affection  in  them,  as  I  am  never  satisfied  with  reading,  nor  can 
read  them  without  tears ;  but  whether  they  proceed  from  joy, 
sorrow,  or  desire,  or  from  that  consent  of  affection,  which  I 
always  hold  with  thee,  I  cannot  conceive.  Ah,  my  dear  heart, 
I  ever  held  thee  in  high  esteem,  as  thy  love  and  goodness  hath 
well  deserved ;  but  (if  it  be  possible)  I  shall  yet  prize-  thy  vir- 
tue at  a  greater  rate,  and  long  more  to  enjoy  thy  sweet  society 
than  ever  before.  I  am  sure  thou  art  not  short  of  me  in  this 
desire.  Let  us  pray  hard,  and  pray  in  faith,  and  our  God,  in 
his  good  time,  will  accomplish  our  desire.  Oh,  how  loath  am  I 
to  bid  thee  farewell !  but,  since  it  must  be,  farewell,  my  sweet 
love,  fareAvell.  Farewell,  my  dear  children  and  family.  The 
Lord  bless  you  all,  and  grant  me  to  see  your  faces  once  again. 
Come,  (my  dear,)  take  him  and  let  him  rest  in  thine  arms,  who 
will  ever  remain, 

" Thv  faithful  husband,  "Jo.  Wintheop. 

"Commend  my  love  to  all  our  friends  at  Castleins,^  Mr. 
Leigh  and  his  wife,  my  neighbor  Cole  and  his  wife,  and  all  the 
rest  of  our  good  friends  and  neighbors,  and  our  good  friends  at 
Maplested,  when  you  see  them,  and  those  our  worthy  and  kind 
friends  at  Assington,^  etc.  My  brother  Arthur^  hath  carried 
himself  very  soberly  since  he  came  on  shipboard,  and  so  hath 
JNlr.  Brand's  son,^  and  my  cousin  Eo.  Sampson.^  I  hope  their 
friends  shall  hear  well  of  them. 

*'  From  aboard  the  Aebella,  riding  before  Yarmouth, 
in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  April  3,  1630." 


1  This  was  a  manor-house  in  Groton,  the  seat  of  the  Cloptons. 

2  Assington  was  the  residence  of  the  Gurdons. 

8  He  was  a  son  of  Sir  John  Tindall,  father  of  the  writer's  wife. 

■*  The  Brands  were  of  Polstead  Hall,  in  Polstead  or  Edwardston,  —  parishes  close  to 
Groton. 

5  Robert  was  the  son  of  John  Sampson,  who  married  Bridget  Clopton,  sister  of  Win- 
throp's  second  wife.  The  Sampsons  were  an  ancient  knightly  family  of  Sampson'8 
Hall  in  Kersey,  near  Groton. 


S9^  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

John  Winthrop  to  his  Son. 
"  To  [my  very  loving  Son,]  Mr.  [John  Winthrop,]  Groton,  in  Suffolk. 

"  My  good  Son,  —  I  received  two  letters  from  you  since  I 
came  to  Hampton,  and  this  is  the  second  I  have  w^ritten  back 
to  you.  I  do  much  rejoice  and  bless  God  for  that  goodness  I 
find  in  you  towards  me  and  mine.  I  do  pray,  and  assuredly 
expect,  that  the  Lord  will  reward  it  plentifully  in  your  bosom  ; 
for  It  is  his  promise  to  prolong  their  days,  (which  includes  all 
outward  prosperity,)  who  give  due  honor  to  their  parents. 
Trust  him,  son,-  for  he  is  faithful.  Labor  to  grow  into  nearer 
communion  and  acquaintance  with  him,  and  you  shall  find  him 
a  good  God,  and  a  master  worth  the  serving.  Ask  of  any  who 
have  tried  him,  and  they  will  justify  him  in  his  kindness  and 
bounty  to  his  servants.  Yet  we  must  not  look  that  he  should 
always  give  us  what  we  think  might  be  good  for  us  ;  but  wait, 
and  let  him  take  his  own  way,  and  the  end  will  satisfy  our 
expectation. 

"  Our  ship  and  the  Talbot  are  now  at  Yarmouth ;  but  the 
Jewell  and  Ambrose  are  put  back  unto  the  Cowes.  We  have 
had  very  tempestuous  weather,  with  the  wind  at  S.W. ,  so  as 
eome  ships,  which  went  out  at  the  Needles  before  us,  are  driven 
back  again  ;  and  we  intend  not  to  stir  till  we  see  the  wind  set- 
tled. I  would  wish  women  and  children  not  to  go  to  sea  till 
April,  and  then  to  take  shipping  at  London.  If  we  had  d()ne 
so,  it  had  eased  us  of  much  trouble  and  charge.  There  lie  now 
at  Cowes  two  ships  of  Holland,  bound  one  to  the  Streights  and 
the  other  to  the  East  Indies,  of  one  hundred  tons  a  piece,  which, 
putting  to  sea  in  February,  spent  their  masts,  and,  with  much 
difficulty,  and  loss  of  near  a  hundred  men,  are  come  in  hither. 
There  came  in  lately  by  us  a  ship  from  Virginia,  laden  with 
tobacco.  The  master  came  aboard  us,  and  told  us,  that  they 
want  corn  there.  She  was  fourteen  weeks  outward,  and  yet 
lost  but  one  man.     I  pray  certify  me,  by  the  next  occasion. 


OF   JOHN   WINTHEOP.  393 

what  the  wine  cost  for  the  common  use,  and  If  you  have  laid 
out  any  more  in  that  kind,  that  I  may  perfect  my  account. 

"  I  pray  prepare  money  so  soon  as  you  can,  that  I  may  be 
clear  with  Mr.  Goffe  and  others,  and  that  my  part  in  the  joint 
stock  may  be  made  up. 

"  Sir  Nath.  Barnardiston  desired  to  put  In  money  into  our 
joint  stock.  Remember  my  love  and  respect  to  him,  and  If  he 
wUl  put  in  £50,  take  it  as  part  of  the  £200  which  I  have  put 
in  already,  except  you  have  money  enough  to  supply  more. 

"  Yesterday  we  kept  a  fast  aboard  our  ship  and  In  the  Tal- 
bot. INIr.  Phillips  exercised  with  us  the  whole  day,  and  gave 
very  good  content  to  all  the  company,  as  he  doth  In  all  his 
exercises,  so  as  we  have  much  cause  to  l^less  God  for  him. 

"In  the  Talbot  a  woman  was  lately  delivered  of  a  son,  and 
both  like  to  do  well. 

"For  other  things,  which  concern  my  affairs  at  home,  I  refer 
them  to  your  care  and  the  good  providence  of  the  Almighty. 

"Commend  my  love  to  all  our  good  friends,  as  you  have 
occasion,  —  to  my  daughter  WInthrop,  your  sister  and  cousin, 
and  to  Mr.  Leigh,  Mr.  Nutt,^  and  that  family,  and  to  all  at 
Castleins,  and  the  rest,  whom  I  can't  now  name  ;  and  the  Lord 
bless,  direct,  and  prosper  you  In  all  your  ways.  So  farewell, 
my  good  son. 

"Your  loving  father,  "  Jo.  Winthrop. 

*'  From  aboard  the  Arbella,  riding  before  Yarmouth,  April  5,  1630. 

"  Our  long  stay  here  hath  occasioned  the  expense  of  much 
more  money  than  I  expected,  so  as  I  am  run  much  in  Mr. 
Goffe's  debt.  I  pray  get  up  some  money  so  soon  as  you  can, 
and  pay  him  £150,  or  so  much  as  you  can  get." 

We  must  not  omit,  before  closing  this  chapter,  to  give 
another  of  Winthrop's  parting  letters ;  of  which  the 
original  draught,  or  it  may  be  a  rough  copy,  in  his  own 

1  Undoubtedly  Mr.  Newton  and  his  family. 
50 


394  LIFE    AND    LETTERS 

handwriting,  has  survived  the  ravages  of  time.  It  is  a 
letter  to  his  friend  Sir  WiUiam  Spring,  then  serving  in 
Parhament  with  Sii  Nathaniel  Barnardiston,  as  Knight 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk.  It  contains  many  striking 
passages,  altogether  characteristic  of  the  writer ;  and 
certainly  indicates  a  depth  of  feehng  and  a  warmth  of 
sympathy  such  as  men  rarely  express,  even  if  they  ever 
feel,  towards  each  other  in  these  latter  days.  It  seems  to 
have  been  written  in  answer  to  a  request  from  Sir  Wil- 
liam for  a  farewell  word  of  consolation  and  counsel. 

John  Winthrop  to  Sir  WiUiam  Springe. 

"Worthy  Sir,  and  to  me  a  most  sweet  friend, — I  know 
not  how  to  frame  my  affections  to  write  to  you.  I  received 
your  letter,  nay,  merum  mel  nan.  epistolam  a  te  accepi.  I  am  in 
suspense,  whether  I  should  submit  my  thoughts  in  the  sweetness 
of  your  love,  or  sit  down  sorrowful  in  the  consciousness  of  mine 
own  infirmity,  as  having  nothing  precious  in  me,  or  any  way 
worthy  such  love  or  esteem  ;  —  But  that  which  I  have  found 
from  yourself  and  some  others,  whose  Constance  and  good  trust 
hath  made  me  some  time  proud  of  their  respects,  gives  me  occa- 
sion to  look  up  to  a  liigher  Cause,  and  to  acknowledge  the  free 
favor  and  goodness  of  my  God,  who  is  pleased  to  put  this  honor 
upon  me  (a  poor  worm  and  raised  but,  yesterday  out  of  the  dust) 
to  be  desired  of  his  choicest  servants  :  I  see  his  delight  is  to 
show  the  greatest  bounty  where  he  finds  the  least  desert,  there- 
fore he  justifies  the  ungodly,  and  spreads  the  skirt  of  his  love 
upon  us,  when  he  finds  us  in  our  blood  unswathed,  unwashed, 
unseasoned  —  that  he  might  shew  forth  the  glory  of  his  mercy, 
and  that  we  might  know  how  he  can  love  a  creature. 

"Sweet  Sir,  You  seek  fruit  from  a  barren  tree,  you  would 
gather  knowledge  where  it  never  grew  :  If  to  satisfy  your  de- 
sire, I  should  bundle  up  aU  that  reading  and  observation  hath 


OF   JOHN   WINTHROP.  395 

put  into  me,  they  will  afford  but  these  few  considerations —  1. 
Joshua  his  best  piece  of  policy  was,  that  he  chose  to  ser^e  the 
ablest  master ;  Mary's,  that  she  Avould  make  sure  of  the  best 
part ;  and  Solomon's,  that  he  would  have  wisdom,  rather  than 
riches  or  life  :  2.  The  clear  and  veriest  desire  of  these,  was 
never  severed  from  the  fruition  of  them  :  the  reason  is  clear, 
the  Lord  holds  us  always  in  liis  lap,  as  the  loving  mother  doth 
her  fro  ward  child,  watching  when  it  will  open  the  mouth,  and 
presently  she  thrusts  in  the  teat  or  the  spoon :  Open  thy 
mouth  wide  (saith  the  Lord)  and  I  will  fill  thee.  O  !  that 
Israel  would  have  hearkened  to  me,  I  would  have  filled  them 
&c.  O  !  that  there  were  in  this  people  an  heart  &c.  0  !  Je- 
rusalem, Jerusalem,  how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thee  &c. 
He  filleth  the  hungry  soul  with  good  things.  3.  Even  our 
Grace  hath  its  perfection  begun  in  this  life  :  All  true  colours 
are  good,  yet  the  colour  in  grain  is  in  best  esteem,  and  of  most 
worth  :  meekness  of  wisdom,  poverty  of  spirit,  pure  love,  sim- 
plicity in  Christ  &c.,  are  Grace  in  Grain  :  4.  For  all  outward 
good  things,  they  are  to  a  Christian  as  the  bird  to  the  fowler, 
—  if  he  goes  directly  upon  her,  he  is  sure  to  miss  her  :  riclies 
takes  her  to  her  wings  (saith  Solomon)  when  a  man  pursues 
her  :  he  that  will  speed  of  this  game,  must  seek  them  quasi 
aliud  a  gens,  or  (more  freely)  aliud  cogitans.  I  have  known 
when  three  or  four  have  beat  the  bushes  a  whole  day,  with  as 
many  dogs  waiting  on  them,  and  have  come  home  weary,  empty 
and  discontented,  when  one  poor  man  going  to  market,  hath  in 
an  hour  or  two  dispatched  his  business,  and  returned  home 
merry,  Avith  a  hare  at  his  back.  Of  all  outward  things  life  hath 
no  peer,  yet  the  way  to  save  this  is,  to  lose  it ;  for  he  that  will 
save  his  hfe  shall  lose  it.  Where  is  now  the  glory  and  great- 
ness of  the  times  past?  even  of  yesterday?  Queen  Elizabeth, 
Bang  James,  &c. — in  their  time,  who  but  they?,  Happy  he 
who  could  get  their  favour  !  Now  they  are  in  the  dust,  and 
none  desire  their  company,  neither  have  themselves  one  mite 
of  all  they  possessed  —  only  the  good  which  that  Queen  did  for 
the  Church  hath  stamped  an  eternal  sun-lustre  upon  her  name, 


396  LIFE   AND   LETTERS 

SO  as  the  Londoners  do  still  erect  triumphant  monuments  of  her 
in  their  churches. — If  we  look  at  persons  of  inferior  quality, 
how  many  have  there  been,  who  have  adventured  (if  not  sold) 
their  souls,  to  raise  those  houses,  which  are  now  possessed  by 
strangers?  If  it  be  enough  for  ourselves,  that  we  have  food 
and  raiment,  why  should  we  covet  more  for  our  posterity  ?  It 
is  with  us  as  with  one  in  a  fever,  the  more  nourishment  we  give 
him,  the  longer  and  sharper  are  his  fits  :  So  the  more  we  cloy 
our  posterity  with  riches  (above  competency)  the  more  matter 
will  there  be  for  affliction  to  work  upon  :  It  were  happy  for 
many  if  their  parents  had  left  them  only  such  a  legacy  as  our 
modern  spirit  of  poetry  makes  his  motto,  Ut  nee  habeant,  nee 
careant,  nee  curent} 

"I  am  so  straightened  in  time,  and  my  thoughts  so  taken  up 
with  business,  as  indeed  I  am  unfit  to  write  of  these  things.  It 
is  your  exceeding  love  hath  drawn  these  from  me,  and  that  love 
must  cover  all  infirmities.  I  loved  you  truly  before  I  could 
think  that  you  took  any  notice  of  me ;  but  now  I  embrace  you 
and  rest  in  your  love,  and  delight  to  solace  my  first  thoughts  in 
these  sweet  affections  of  so  dear  a  friend.  The  apprehension 
of  your  love  and  worth  together  hath  overcome  my  heart,  and 
removed  the  veil  of  modesty,  that  I  must  needs  tell  you,  my 
soul  is  knit  to  you,  as  the  soul  of  Jonathan  to  David  :  Were 
I  now  with  you,  I  should  bedew  that  sweet  bosom  with  the 
tears  of  affection.  O  !  what  a  pinch  will  it  be  to  me,  to  part 
with  such  a  friend  !  If  any  Emblem  may  express  our  condition 
in  heaven,  it  is  this  Communion  in  love.  I  could,  (nay,  I 
shall) ,  envy  the  happiness  of  your  dear  brother  B.^  that  he  shall 
enjoy  what  I  desire  —  nay  (I  will  even  let  love  drive  me  into 
extacy)  I  must  repine  at  the  felicity  of  that  good  Lady   (to 

1  I  was  curious  to  know  whom  Winthrop  called  "our  modern  spirit  of  poetiy;" 
but  the  motto  elided  my  search,  until  I  found,  in  the  recent  Life  of  Milton  by  Prof. 
Masson,  that  it  belonged  to  George  Wither^  whose  "Hymns  and  Songs  of  the  Church" 
were  among  the  best  religious  verses  in  that  day,  and  have  been  republished  in  our 
own.  —  Masson' s  Life  of  Milton,  Am.  edition,  vol.  i.  pp.  S64-7. 

2  Evidently  Sir  N.  Barnardiston,  then  the  colleague  of  Spring,  in  Parliament,  as 
Knight  of  the  County  of  Suffolk. 


OF   JOHN    WINTIIROP.  397 

whom  in  all  love  and  due  respect  I  desire  to  be  remembered)  as 
one  that  should  have  more  part  than  myself  in  that  honest 
heart  of  my  dear  friend.  But  I  must  leave  you  all :  our  ftire- 
wells  usually  are  pleasant  passages,  mine  must  be  sorrowful  ; 
this  addition  of,  forever,  is  a  sad  close ;  yet  there  is  some  com- 
fort in  it  —  bitter  pills  help  to  procure  sound  health  :  God  will 
have  it  thus,  and  blessed  be  his  holy  name  —  let  him  be  pleased 
to  light  up  the  light  of  his  countenance  upon  us,  and  we  ha-s-e 
enough.  We  shall  meet  in  heaven,  and  while  we  live,  our 
prayers  and  affections  shall  hold  an  intercourse  of  friendship 
and  represent  us  often,  with  the  idea  of  each  other's  counte- 
nance. Your  earnest  desire  to  see  me,  makes  me  long  as  much 
to  meet  you  :  If  my  leisure  would  have  permitted  me,  I  would 
have  prevented  your  travel ;  but  I  must  now  (against  mine  own 
disposition)  only  tell  you  Mdiere  you  may  find  me  upon  Thurs- 
day, &c.  It  is  time  to  conclude,  but  I  know  not  how  to  leave 
you,  yet  since  I  must,  I  will  put  my  beloved  into  His  arms,  who 
loves  him  best,  and  is  a  faithful  keeper  of  all  that  is  committed 
to  him.  Now  Thou  the  hope  of  Israel,  and  the  sure  help  of 
all  that  come  to  thee,  knit  the  hearts  of  thy  servants  to  thyself, 
in  faith  and  purity.  Draw  us  with  the  sweetness  of  thine 
odours,  that  we  may  run  after  thee  —  Allure  us,  and  speak 
kindly  to  thy  servants,  that  thou  mayest  possess  us  as  thine 
own,  in  the  kindness  of  youth,  and  the  love  of  marriage: — 
Seal  us  up,  by  that  holy  Spirit  of  promise,  that  we  may  not 
fear  to  trust  in  thee  —  Carry  us  into  thy  garden,  that  we  may 
eat  and  be  filled  with  those  pleasures,  which  the  world  knows 
not  —  Let  us  hear  that  sweet  voice  of  thine,  my  love,  my  doA^e, 
myundefiled^  —  Spread  thy  skirt  over  us,  and  cover  our  de- 
formity —  Make  us  sick  with  thy  love  —  Let  us  sleep  in  thine 
arms,  and  awake  in  thy  kingdom  —  The  souls  of  thy  servants, 
thus  united  to  thee,  make  as  one  in  the  bonds  of  brotherly 
affection  —  Let  not  distance  weaken  it,  nor  time  waste  it,  nor 


1  Winthrop's  familiarity  with  the  Song  of  Solomon  is  abundantly  evident  in  this 
and  other  passages  of  the  prayer  with  which  he  concludes  the  letter. 


398  LIFE    AND    LETTERS 

changes  dissolve  It,  nor  self-love  eat  it  out ;  but  when  all  means 
of  other  communion  shall  fail,  let  us  delight  to  pray  for  each 
other  :  And  so  let  thy  unworthy  servant  prosper  in  the  love 
of  his  friends,  as  he  truly  loves  thy  good  servants  S.  and  B.^ 
and  wishes  true  happiness  to  them  and  to  all  theirs — Amen. 

"J.  W. 

"LoKDON,  Feb.  8,  1629." 

Nor  were  the  leave-takings  altogether  confined  to  let- 
ters. "  That  honourable  and  worthy  gentleman,  Mr. 
John  Winthrop,  the  Governour  of  the  Company  "  (says 
Hubbard),  "  at  a  solemn  feast  amongst  many  friends, 
a  little  before  their  last  farewell,  fuiding  hi^  bowels  yearn 
within  him,  instead  of  di'inking  to  them,  by  breaking  into 
a  flood  of  tears  himself,  set  them  all  a  weeping,  with 
Paul's  friends,  while  they  thought  of  seeing  the  faces  of 
each  other  no  more  in  the  land  of  the  living."  ^  Well 
did  he  say,  "  This  addition  of  forever  is  a  sad  close  to 
our  farewells." 

And  thus  ends  the  life  of  John  Winthrop  in  Old  Eng- 
land. We  have  traced  it,  or  rather  have  allowed  it  to 
trace  itself,  for  a  period  of  a  little  more  than  forty-two 
years.  His  ancestry  and  parentage,  his  education,  his 
professional  career,  his  repeated  personal  trials  and  afflic- 
tions, his  religious  experiences,  all  have  been  exhibited 
in  succession.  As  the  mere  story  of  a  life  two  centuries 
and  a  half  ago,  it  could  not  have  been  wholly  without 
interest.  Had  that  life  terminated  here  ;  had  the  "  Ar- 
bella  "  foundered  on  her  weary  and  perilous  passage,  and 

1  Spring  and  Bamardiston.  2  Hubbard's  N.E.,  ch.  xxiii. 


OF  JOHN   WINTHROP.  399 

Winthrop  never  again  been  heard  of;  or  had  he  only 
landed  on  the  shores  of  New  England,  like  his  excellent 
friend  and  associate,  Isaac  Johnson,  to  look  around  for  a 
few  months  on  the  T\dlderness-work  which  he  had  under- 
taken, and  then  to  sicken  and  die, — we  still  cannot  doubt 
that  there  would  have  been  many  minds  and  many  hearts 
to  whom  his  career,  as  thus  far  developed,  would  have 
been  both  instructive  and  attractive.  No  one  could 
have  been  willing  that  these  ancient  letters  and  papers, 
imveiling  so  much  of  the  domestic  life  of  a  period  so 
remote,  and  which  have  so  mysteriously  survived  the 
accidents  of  time,  should  have  been  suffered  to  perish  at 
last  without  seeing  the  light.  No  true  antiquarian,  cer- 
tainly, would  have  forgiven  the  suppression  even  of  a 
single  letter  of  so  distant  a  date ;  while  any  attempt  to 
abridge  or  condense  such  materials  could  only  have 
resulted  in  depriving  them  of  that  quaintness  and  raci- 
ness  which  constitute  so  much  of  the  charm  of  the 
epistolary  stsie  of  the  olden  time. 

And  now,  in  his  mature  manhood,  Winthrop  is  leav- 
ing home  and  friends  and  kindred  and  native  country, 
to  traverse  a  vast  ocean,  and  to  enter  on  a  most  labori- 
ous and  responsible  public  service  in  a  remote  and 
imsettled  corner  of  the  earth.  Had  he  remained  in  Eng- 
land, it  is  easy  to  imagine  that  he  might  have  played  no 
undecided  or  undistinguished  part  in  the  great  events 
which  were  soon  to  shake  that  kingdom  to  its  centre. 
Civil  and  rehgious  persecutions,  alike,  were  rapidly 
assuming  a  shape  and  an  intensity  which  could  not  fail 
to  rouse  the  nation  to  resistance.  The  days  of  ship- 
money  were  close  at  hand,  and  Laud  was  soon  about  to 


400  LIFE    AND   LETTERS 

ascend  his  archiepiscopal  throne.  In  the  stern  strug- 
gles of  Puritanism  against  arbitrary  power,  whether  in 
Church  or  in  State,  Winthrop  could  not  have  remained 
neutral  or  inactive.  All  his  associations  and  all  his 
principles  would  have  ranged  him  on  the  side  of  tolera- 
tion and  freedom ;  and,  though  his  marked  moderation 
of  character  might  have  held  him  back  from  the  extreme 
measures  of  Rump  Parliaments  and  Regicides,  no  one 
can  doubt  that  he  would  have  gone  along  with  such 
men  as  Hampden  and  Eliot  to  the  battle-field,  to  the 
Tower,  or  even  to  the  block,  rather  than  submit  to  the 
tyrannical  exactions  and  oppressions  which  Crown  and 
Mitre  were  so  soon  to  vie  with  each  other  m  dealing 
out  over  the  land. 

But  his  fortunes  are  henceforth  indissolubly  linked 
with  the  colonization  and  civilization  of  the  New  World, 
where  he  is  destined  to  exercise  an  influence,  second, 
certainly,  to  that  of  no  other  man  of  his  day,  upon  the 
rise  and  progress  of  American  institutions.  Nineteen 
years  are  still  to  elapse  between  his  embarkation  on  the 
22d  of  March,  1629-30,  and  his  death  on  the  26th  of 
March,  1649  ;  and  the  account  of  his  career  during  that 
period  will  furnish  ample  materials  for  another  volume  of 
this  Biography.  That  career,  however,  belongs  to  history, 
and  has  been  already  illustrated  by  more  than  one  of  the 
historians  of  the  United  States  and  of  New  England.^ 
We   can  hardly  hope  to   add  much  to  the  account  of 


1  Mr.  Bancroft  has  given  a  brilliant  sketch  of  Winthrop's  life  and  character  in  his 
History  of  the  United  States,  vol.  i.  (18th  edition)  ch.  ix. ;  and  nothing  could  be 
more  admirable,  or,  as  we  think,'more  generally  just,  than  Dr.  Palfrey's  treatment  of 
Winthrop's  career,  in  his  recent  History  of  New  England. 


LIFE  AND  LETTERS  OF  JOHN  WINTHROP.       401 

this  latter  part  of  his  Hfe,  although  we  are  not  without 
some  new  original  letters  and  papers  pertaining  to  it. 
Meantime,  the  present  volume  contains  all  the  facts,  in 
regard  to  his  earher  condition  and  fortunes,  which  have 
been  brought  to  light  in  the  recently  discovered  family 
papers,  and  exhibits  the  whole  preparation  and  discipline 
through  which  he  passed  before  entering  upon  his  memo- 
rable New-England  enterprise.  It  displays,  in  greater 
detail,  perhaps,  than  can  be  found  anywhere  else,  not 
merely  the  outward  life,  but  the  inmost  thoughts  and 
motives  and  principles,  of  one  of  our  most  distinguished 
American  Puritans,  and  unfolds  all  the  chcumstances 
which  could  have  given  an  impulse  and  a  dkection  to  the 
course  which  he  ultimately  adopted  and  pursued.  It  por- 
trays, as  he  was  up  to  the  very  moment  when  he  entered 
upon  the  solemn  trust,  the  chosen  Leader  of  the  fathers 
and  founders  of  Massachusetts  in  the  transfer  of  their 
government  from  England  to  America ;  and  shows  us 
precisely  of  what  stuff  he  was  made,  and  under  what 
stars  he  was  moulded. 

In  this  regard,  the  present  volume  is  complete  in  it- 
self, and  may  not  unfitly  be  given  to  the  public  as  an 
independent  work.  Here,  then,  we  close  it ;  leaving  aU 
question  as  to  the  earher  or  later  appearance  of  another 
volume  to  be  decided  hereafter. 


51 


APPENDIX. 


APPENDIX. 


I. 

MEMORAOT)A    FROM    THE    DIARY    OF    ADAM 
WINTHROP, 

(Father  op  Governor  Winthrop.) 

1595-1610. 

Special  matters  Sf  observations  noted  in  the  yere   of  our  Lorde   God 
1595  :   hy  me  A.  W. 

This  yere  Come  was  verj  scarce  vntil  haruest,  notw'^'standing  y*  there  1595. 
was  muche  wheate  &  lye  brought  into  Inglande  from  by  yonde  the 
Seas,  whereby  the  price  of  come  was  abated. 

Also  al  other  kinde  of  vitaile  was  in  the  begynnynge  of  this  yere 
sould  at  great  prices. 

On  Whitsonday  I  had  a  great  swarme  of  bees,  and  on  Munday  in 
Witsonweeke  ther  did  coine  a  swarme  of  bees  flyeng  ouer  Castleynes 
heathe  into  Carters  grounde.^ 

The  same  day  &  tyme  Mr.  Gatcheroode,  Mr.  Walton,  Mr.  Th. 
Waldgraue,  IMr.  Clopton  «&;  my  selfe  were  ther  present  about  the  bound- 
ing of  the  heathe. 

On  Thursday  the  3.  of  July,  Mr.  Brampton  Gurdon  had  a  soonne 
borne  to  him :  who  was  baptized  on  Sunday  the  13  of  July  and  named 
John.  S'  W"  Waldegraue  and  old  Mr.  John  Gurdon  were  godfathers : 
and  the  Lady  Moore  &  olde  l^Iris.  Gurdon  were  godmoothers. 

This  yeare  at  y*  Sommer  assises,  viz :  22  Julij  1595,  diuers  Justices 
of  the  Peace  were  put  out  of  y*  Comission  by  the  Q.  comandement,  viz. 
Mr.  Tihiey,  Mr.  W.  Foorth,  ]Mr.  Doile,  IVIr.  Warren,  Mr.  Drury. 

1  There  were  many  superstitions  about  bees  in  Suffolk  County ;  and,  among  others, 
that  bad  luck  was  portended  by  a  stray  swarm  of  bees  settling  on  one's  premises,  un- 
claimed by  their  owner.  —  '■'■The  Book  of  Days"  p.  752. 


406  APPENDIX. 

1595.        This  yere  the  viii*  Day  of  July  my  brother  Roger  Allbaster,  &  my 

37  El.  sister  his  wife  w***  their  iij  soiies,  George,  John  &  Thomas,  &  Sara  their 

daughter,  tooke  their  iourny  from  Hadleigh  to  goe  into  Irelande. 

The  same  day  it  Thundred,  hailed  &  Rayned  very  sore. 

Will™  Alibaster  their  eldest  soonne  departed  from  my  house  towards 
Cambrige  the  ix*""  of  July,  malcontent.^ 

This  yere  harvest  began  not  w*  vs  vn  tiU  the  xij*''  of  August  &  con- 
tynued  vntill  the  [6^a«^]  of  September. 

The  27  of  August  Mr.  Hanam  fell  sicke  &  recouerd  the  iiij*  of 
Sept.     The  same  day  my  brother  killed  a  brocke^  w*''  his  hounds. 

The  XXX  of  August  I  received  a  Ire  from  my  brother  Cotty  of 
Couentry. 

The  v*""  day  of  Sept.  my  cosen  Marian  Rolfe  came  to  my  house. 

The  x*"*  of  Sept.  my  cosen  Hawkyns  came  to  me. 

The  xxij*''  of  Sept.  my  brother  Mildmay  came  to  my  house. 

The  3,  4  &  5  dales  of  October  S""  W"  Waldegraue  mustred  all  his 
souldio"  viz.  400,  vppon  a  hill  nere  Sudbury. 

The  8  day  of  October  my  wyfe  rydde  to  her  father  at  Pritlewell  in 
Essex  &  returned  the  xx*.^ 

The  X*''  day  of  October  Adam  Seely  retoumed  home,  &  the  same 
day  I  Rec*  a  Ire  from  my  L.  of  Bathe.* 

In  the  moneth  of  Octobre,  Ano  1595,  S'  Thomas  Heneage  died, 
Vir  bonus  ^  pius,  &  on  the  same  day  &  monethe  Philip,  late  Erie  of 
Arundell  died  in  the  Tower  of  London. 

The  xxx*''  day  of  Octobre  Richard  Bronde  of  Boxford  sherman,* 
Departed  out  of  this  life,  ano  etatis  59. 

The  7  of  November  the  Erie  of  Hertford  was  comitted  to  the 
Tower. 

The  xiiij*  of  Decembre  I  receyved  a  ire  from  my  brother  Alibaster 
written  from  Tenby  in  Wales  concernynge  his  iU  successe  in  his  Irisshe 
iourny. 


1  For  some  account  of  William  Alabaster,  see  p.  16,  note  1. 

2  A  badger. 

8  Adam's  wife  was  the  daughter  of  Henry  Browne,  who  is  sometimes  styled  of 
Edwardston,  and  sometimes  of  Prittlewell.    See  pp.  47-8. 

4  By  "my  Lord  of  Bathe"  is  meant  Dr.  John  Still,  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells, 
whose  sister  was  Adam's  first  wife. 

5  "  The  Cloth-workers  were  originally  incorporated  by  Edward  IV.  in  1482  as 
shermen  (shearers)." — Timbs's  Curiosities  of  London. 


DIAEY   OF  ADAM   WINTIIKOP.  407 

A  festo  natiuitatis  Domini  Anno  1595. 

The  [ftfenZ;]  Day  of  January  the  butcher  of  Netherden  woodde  was  1595. 
cruelly  murdered  viz.  his  hed  was  cutt  of  &,  his  body  devided  into  iiij 
qr*^^  &  wrapt  in  a  sheet  &,  layd  vpon  his  owne  horse,  as  he  caine  from 
Bury  markett ;  &  so  brought  home  to  his  wyfe,  who  vppo  the  sight 
therof  pntly  died.^ 

The  ix**"  of  January  Mr,  Sandes  was  taken  sicke  grauiter. 

The  xx""  of  January  my  brother  Mildmay  did  sett  vppon  a  Comis- 
sion  at  the  Whight  Lion  in  Boxford  street  w'^in  Groton. 

The  third  day  of  ffeb.  Carue  Mildmay  was  borne. 

The  v'"  of  ffeb  mother  Baker  died.^ 

The  vij*  of  ffeb.  I  Rec'^  a  Ire  from  my  L.  of  Bathe. 

The  x*"  of  ffeb.  I  was  at  my  ffathers,  &  the  xv*"  at  my  brother 
Mildmayes. 

The  xvi.  of  ffeb.  Sara  Winthrop  was  maried  to  John  Froste. 

The  xix""  of  ffeb  Robert  Brand  the  phisiton  died,  etats  61. 

The  seconde  of  Marche  S'  W"  Waldegrave  kept  a  Court  at  Ed- 
wardeston. 

The  x*''  day  of  March  John  Clarke  the  warde  setter  died  beinge  of 
th'  age  of  Ixxvj  yeres. 

The  xvij*  day  of  Marche  INIr.  Nicholson  was  robbed. 

The  xix""  day  Mr.  Knewstub  preached  at  Boxforde. 

The  [hlank~\  of  Marchc  S''  Robert  Winckfild  the  ancientest  knight 
in  Suff.  died  &  S"'  Francis  Hynde  of  Cambridgeshire  died  the  21  of  the 
same  moneth. 

The  X*  of  Aprill  John  Wade  died  &  was  buried  at  Pritlewell.  1596. 

The  xj  of  Aprill,  being  Ester  day,  the  Bell  did  Ringe  at  Groton  for 
Mr.  Clopton,  Alio  1596,  but  he  recouered. 

The  xv*''  of  Aprill  Rich.  Spenser  asked  Mr.  Gurdon  forgivenesse 
for  Slandringe  of  him. 

The  xxiij*  of  Aprill  E.  Aulston  was  maried  to  Susan  B. 

The  last  of  ApriU  S''  J.  Puckringe,  L.  keper  of  the  great  scale  died 
of  the  deadde  palsey. 

The  x""  of  jMay  [dZanfc]  Grymolde  of  Nedginge  did  hange  himselfe 
in  his  Bame. 

1  This  paragraph  has  lines  drawn  over  it  by  a  later  hand,  perhaps  to  throw  doubt  or 
denial  on  the  story. 

2  The  terms  "  father  "  and  "  mother  "  will  be  frequently  found  in  this  Diary,  applied 
evidently  to  aged  persons  who  were  probably  so  called  in  the  neighborhood,  but  having 
no  reference  to  any  parental  connection. 


408  APPENDIX. 

1596.  The  xvij*''  of  May  Adam  Seely  went  privilie  from  my  house  & 
caried  awaye  xv'  w"^  he  did  steale  from  Richard  Edwardes,  pro  quo 
facto  dignus  est  capistro. 

The  xviij""  of  May  John  Spencer  the  eld''  died. 

The  xxviij""  of  May  Mr.  Pie  of  Colchester  died  suddenly. 

The  xj***  of  June  S'  W""  Waldegraue  trayned  his  whole  band  of 
footemen  &  horsemen  on  Babar  heathe. 

The  16  of  June  my  brother  Winthrop  departed  from  my  house 
towards  Ireland,  &  my  brother  Alibaster  went  w*''  him. 

The  xv***  day  of  June  D''  Fletcher  B.  of  London  died. 

The  xxiiij*  of  June  my  ffather  Browne  came  to  my  house. 

The  vj"*  of  July  th  assises  were  holden  at  Bury. 

The  same  day  was  the  Comencement  at  Cambrige,  &  Mr.  Overall 
was  made  D'  of  Divinitie. 

The  26  day  of  July  my  brother  Mildmay  caSae  to  Edwardeston  to 
my  house.^ 

The  2"^  of  August  George  Alibasf  died,  A°  1596. 

The  ix*  of  August  my  b.  Weston  p'ched  at  Boxford  sup.  13  Marcu 
versu  vltimo,  pie  Sf  eloquenter.^ 

The  XX*''  of  Aug.  fell  a  great  Rayne  w"''  made  a  floud  at  Boxford. 

The  xxiij""  of  August  I  dragde  my  great  ponde  &  tooke  out  xxxv 
greate  Carpes. 

The  xix*''  of  August  Tilleson  did  sett  vp  the  house  in  the  W.  Reign- 
olds  yarde. 

The  last  of  August  my  wife  ridde  to  Ipsw*''  for  phisick  &  on  the 
same  day  Clover  died. 

The  xiij*'"  of  Sept.  Judithe  Pond  was  dd*  of  her  first  soonne  being 
munday,  &  he  was  named  W". 

The  same  day  my  Cosen  Tho :  Mildmay  retorned,  &  Ed.  Aulson 
was  maryed  the  xxj*  &  my  wife  rydd  to  Bury. 

The  xxvij*  of  Sept.  my  Cozen  Alib.  came  to  my  house. 

The  xviij"*  daye,  being  S.  Luks  day  John  Hawes  rent  Mary  Pierces 
peticote  &  did  beate  her  sister  Katherine  w***  a  crabtree  stafFe. 

On  Tuesday  the  ix*"*  of  Novembre  Richard  Edwards  my  servant 
died. 

On  tjiursday  the  xj  of  Novembre  Anna  Snellinge  was  maried  to 
John  Duke. 

1  Some  account  of  the  relations  between  Adam  Winthrop  and  the  Mildmays  will  be 
found  on  pp.  27-8. 

2  See  note  on  p.  34. 


DIARY  DF  ADAM  WINTHROP.  409 

On  tuesday  in  the   mornynge   being  the  last    of    November    the  1596. 
wydowe  Francs  died,  &  the  same  Day  the  goodwyfe  Lewes  Kyrby  was 
dd  of  ij  childre. 

The  v'''  day  of  December  Susan  Bronde  the  wyfe  of  Edward  Auls- 
ton  died  of  childbed. 

The  [^blank]  day  of  December  old  Simon  Laughlinge  died. 

The  [blank']  day  Anne  Nutter  the  daughter  of  Willm  Nutter  died,  of 
the  age  of  xx  yeres. 

A  Register  of  the  Deathes  of  my  frends,  ^  of  other  things  w'^  haue 
happened  since  the  feast  of  the  Nativitie,  Ano  1596. 

The  iiij'^  Day  of  January  Mr.  Steven  Piend  died. 

The  viij""  day  of  January  being  Saterday,  my  ffather  Henry  Browne 
died,  of  the  age  of  76  yeres,  &  was  buryed  in  Prittle^*^  Church  in 
Essex. 

The  seconde  of  Marche  John  Hamonde  died. 

The  vij'^  of  Marche  I  was  robbed  by  false  kks,  &  iij  dayes  before 
Mr.  Sands  was  robbed. 

The  xxix""  of  Marche  Ano  1597  John  Crab  was  married  to  Kathe-  1597. 
rine  Ker  my  s'vant  who  was  sicke  the  same  day. 

The  xvj"*  day  of  Aprill  Mr.  Gawen  Harvey  the  yongest  soonne  of 
Mr.  George  Harvey  highe  shreve  of  Essex  came  to  my  house  &  the 
xix""  day  he  &  my  nephewe  Henry  Mildmay  depted  toward  Springfild 
in  Essex.^ 

The  22  day  of  Aprill  Grymble  my  great  mastiffe  was  hanged,  a 
gentle  dog  in  the  howse  but  eyes  oft  blind. 

The  xxiij""  day  of  ApriU  I  sowed  Wranglande  w***  berry  barley. 

The  iij*^  of  May  M"'  Robt.  Hanhams  wife  Receyved  xx"  of  the  gift 
of  Mr.  Hanham  his  vnckle. 

The  x'''  of  May  I  did  ryde  to  my  b.  Mildmayes  &  retomed  the  xvj*^ 
of  the  same  &  Charles  caine  to  dwell  w*^  me. 

The  xviij"'  day  of  May  my  Cosen  Alib.  came  to  my  howse. 

The  same  day  I  bought  Kembolds  grey  horse  for  iij"  vj'  viij**. 

The  xx"*  day  of  May  in  the  mornynge  Anne  Kembold  was  deliuered 
of  a  girle,  &  M'  Briggs  died  at  Brettenham. 

The  xxix"*  day  of  May  my  cosen  Bulwer  came  to  my  house. 

The  seconde  day  of  June  I  was  at  my  Cosen  Muskett. 

The  v*^  day  Charles  had  his  hvery  cote. 


1  See  note  1  on  p.  38. 
52 


410  APPENDIX.  • 

A  festo  Sci  Jbhis  Baptiste  Anno  1597. 

1597.  The  last  day  of  June  goodman  Gosslinge  had  xx  laborers  to  make 
the  Causey  in  Claypit-fields,  w'^'*  was  affwards  stoned  and  gravailed. 

The  vj*  of  July  I  received  a  privie  seale  to  lend  the  Q.  matie  xx" 
for  a  yere. 

The  same  day  Edward  Aulston  his  wife  was  dd  of  hir  first  soonne. 

The  viijth  day  of  July  olde  Cant  died. 

The  ix*''  day  I  rec'^  a  Ire  from  my  brother  out  of  Ireland  sans  date. 
Mrs  Pyne  was  dd. 

The  X*  of  July  Tillesons  wife  Died. 

The  xj""  my  cosen  Alibasf  came  to  my  house. 

The  same  day  S''  John  Peyton  &  S''  Henry  North  w*''  their  Ladyes 
caEae  to  Boxforde. 

The  xiij*  day  my  cosen  Alib.  fatehatur  se  esse  papistam.  The  xiiij*** 
we  did  ride  together  to  London,  &  I  retoumed  home  the  xxijth. 

The  same  day  my  Daughter  Anna  caine  home  from  my  brother 
Mildmayes. 

The  xxj*  Day  of  July  my  cosen  Johane  Muskett  died  Ano  etatis 
sue  59. 

The  first  of  August  my  cosen  Alib :  depted  to  Cambridg  from  my 
house,  &  the  thirde  Day  aff  Priscilla  his  sister  cam  to  me. 

The  iiij*  of  August  my  brother  in  lawe  Willia™  Hilles  Died. 

The  xxij*''  of  August  I  did  wright  vnto  my  brother  in  Ireland  by 
George  Mawle. 

The  last  of  August  my  Cosen  Alib :  depted  to  Camb. 

The  viij*''  Day  of  September  Mr.  John  Payne  of  Stoke  died  of  the 
age  of  ^  &  iiij  yeres.^ 

The  viij*''  day  of  September  Johane  Hilles  my  wiues  naturall  sister 
died,  &  made  me  her  executo' 

The  xxj'''  of  Sept.  being  S'  Mathews  Day  Thomas  Osborne  was 
murdered  by  John  Hawes  in  the  waye  betwene  Branthin  &  Thetford, 
for  the  w''*'  J.  H.  was  hanged  at  Bury. 

The  xxvj"'  day  of  Sept.  Jasp.  Laughlings  wife  died  of  the  blouddy 
fflux. 

The  first  Day  of  Octobre  I  lett  my  howse  at  Edwardeston  to  W" 
Brande  &  the  same  day  John  Sure  my  L.  of  Bathes  stuarde  caine  to 
me. 


1  Probably  intended  to  designate  fourscore  and  four  years. 


DIAUT  OF  ADAM  WINTHROP.  411 

The  V*  Day  of  December  Will"  Brond  died.  1597. 

The  vij*^  day  ffather  Pierce  died. 

A  note  of  the  books  w"^  Ihaue  lent. 

The  pambulation  of  Kent  to  Mr.  Nicholson.^ 

The  Termes  of  the  lawe  to  Mr.  J.  Grymwade. 

Dr.  Bright  De  Sanitate  tuenda  in  Latine. 

Petrarcha  his  woorkes  IMr.  J.  G.  tooke  awaye. 

To  Mr.  Ellyson  the  Remes  Testament. 

The  Defence  of  the  Apologie  to  my  sister  MUdmay. 

Eusebius  &  Socrates  in  Englishe  to  ray  cosen  Munnyng. 

Item,  lent  him  iij  volumes  of  Lyra,  &  Googes  husbandry. 

A  feste  Oircumsitionis  Dhi  nri  Jesu  Ohri  Anno  1600,  et  Eliz.  H"^ 

xliif."  1600. 

Imprimis  the  iiij*^  of  January  Mr.   Powle  was   arrested   at  my 
brothers  suite. 

The  next  day  in  the  momynge  INIres.  Samsone  was  deliuered  of  her 
first  Sonne  John. 

The  ix'?  Day  my  wife  was  Deliuered  of  her  fowrth  daughf,  LucUla,' 
&  my  brother  sickened. 

The  xv*^  Willm  Hilles  was  maried  to  Elizabeth  Gibson. 

The  xx**'  my  daughf^  was  Christened. 

The  24'^  Gardin'  the  geld"^  died. 

The  25  of  ffeb.  the  Erie  of  Essex  was  behedded  w*Mn  the  Tower. 

The  viij  day  of  Marche  my  Cosyn  D"^  Duke  &  his  wife  Dyned  w* 
me. 

The  xix*  Day  of  Marche  my  Nephewe  Josua  Winth.  came  to  Gro- 
ton  &  departed  the  next  daye. 

The  23  of  Marche  my  Nephew  Wa.  MUdmay  came  to  me. 

The  xx***  [April]  I  began  to  sowe  Magotts  crofte  w*''  barley,  &  the  -i  /./)•• 
thirde  of  August  I  reaped  it. 

The  last  of  Aprill  beinge  thursday,  my  cosen  Adam  Winthrops  wife  April, 
was  deliuered  of  her  first  sonne  Adam,  to  whom  I  was  godfather. 

The  xviij'*'  of  May  Thomas  IMildmay  my  cosen  W™  Mildmays  eldest 
Sonne  came  to  Groton. 


1  See  pp.  41-2. 

2  The  same  daughter  elsewhere  called  Lucy,  and  afterwards  the  wife  of  Emanuel 
Downing,  Esq. 


412  APPENDIX. 

1601.        The  xx*""  he  went  to  the  free  schole  at  Boxford. 

The  last  of  May  beinge  Whitsondaj,  Richarde  Bronde  the  eldest 
Sonne  of  John  Bronde  of  Boxforde,  clothier,  died.  De  merore  animi  oh 
patris  sui  iram. 

The  v""  of  June  Mr.  Powle  did  shewe  me  an  Infamous  libel  written 
in  Ryming  verses,  made  as  I  suppose  of  P.  E. 

The  xij""  of  July  I  went  to  Holton.  The  same  day  I  dyned  at  Mr. 
Manocks,  of  Gyffords  haU. 

The  14  of  July  my  cosyn  Alibasf  was  removed  out  of  the  Tower 
into  Framingham  Castle. 

The  xxvij*''  of  July  Augustine  Podde  beinge  about  gfj  &  vj  yeres^ 
olde  Died  10  dales  after  he  came  out  of  Bury  Gaile,  &  the  first  day 
of  Sept  next  his  wife  died. 

The  xxvij*''  of  July  there  was  made  a  Rate  by  me  &  Dius  of  the 
townemen  of  Groton,  for  the  Repaccons  of  the  church,  &  we  viewed 
the  Decay  of  the  leades. 

The  first  of  August  my  cosen  Adam  Winthrop  «fe  my  cosen  Sara 
Frost  his  sister  came  from  London  to  Groton. 

The  3  of  Aug.  my  cosen  Adam  W.  &  I  did  ride  to  Holton,  & 
viewed  the  pewter  w"''  was  given  to  his  wife  &  her  sister.  The  same 
day  my  brother  did  ryde  towards  London. 

The  V.  I  sent  my  Auditt  Accoumpt  to  Ipswich  to  Tho.  Laster  to 
be  ingrossed  by  him  in  pchem*  ^ 

The  vj*  Day  of  Aug.  Rob*  Surrey  did  marry  M :  P. 

The  viij  day  my  ij  neeces  being  sisters  the  daught"  of  my  brother 
W°  Winthrop  did  ride  from  Groton  towards  London.  The  one  had 
not  scene  the  other  xxj  yeres  before. 

The  17  day  of  August  Anne  Page,  that  was  my  servant  iij  yeres, 
died  at  her  mothers  in  Groton. 

The  ±xj'^  day  Sara  Cely  was  maried  to  Robte  Humfrey  at  Highm 
,         Churche  w%ut  a  license  fr  hoiem  ignotu. 

The  14  day  [Sept.]  I  was  at  Hockley  at  a  Court  for  Will'"  Coe  & 
lay  the  same  night  at  Mris  Bronds. 

The  17  day  I  was  at  Lanham,  before  the  Escheto''  for  my  brother. 

The  xxv***  day  of  Sept.  Mr.  Clopton  kept  a  Court  at  Castleyns  hall 
&,  I  was  ^f  the  horn  [?]. 


,    1  Eighty-six  years. 

2  Adam  was  at  this  time  the  auditor  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  and  probably 
of  St.  John's  College  also.    See  p.  32. 


DIAHY  OF  ADAM  WINTHEOP.  413 

The  iij^'  of  Octobre  my  brother  kept  a  Court  at  Groton  Hall,  where   1601. 
we  had  pike  to  dynn''  that,  was  iij  qrt"  of  a  yarde  longe,  vt  puto. 

The  iiij*''  day  of  Oct.  Will"  Gardin'  did  his  penance  in  Groton 
Churche  siyie  lodice  8^  vcdde  impenitentem. 

The  23  of  Octobre  I  took  vplande  for  the  poore,  at  Mr.  Sampson's 
Court. 

The  24  my  brother  had  a  verditt  against  Powle  in  the  guilde  hall 
in  London,  &  RecoOed  C"  damages. 

The  12  [Nov.]  the  Erie  of  Desmond  dyed  at  London. 

The  30  being  S!  Andrews  Day  I  was  witnesse  to  Andrew  Mr. 
Dreslyes  soonne. 

The  V?  of  Decemb.  I  ridde  to  Cambridge  &  beganne  the  Auditt  the 
7'?  beinge  Monday. 

The  xiiij"*  of  Decembre  I  retourned  from  the  Auditt  &  did  see  the 
Sonne  in  the  Eclips,  about  12  of  the  Cloeke  at  noone. 

The  xxj""  being  St.  Thorns  day  Robte  HumjQ-y  &  Sara  his  wife 
came  to  my  howse  in  Groton. 

The  18  of  Decembre  my  Cosyn  Munnyng  came  to  Groton. 

The  23  of  Decembre  I  felt  an  Erthquake. 

A*  1601  et 
Ee^nae 
A  festo  Nativitatis  Dni  nri  Jesu  Ohri.  Eliz: 

44to. 

The  2  of  Jan.  Mr.  Mannocke  sent  me  iij  yardes  of  satten  for  a  token  January, 
of  this  nue  yere. 

The  22.  John  Frenche  died.     The  same  day  I  did  ryde  to  Spring- 
fielde  &  from  thence  to  London. 

The  iiij""  day  of  ffeb.  Nicholas  Strut  the  Riche  Clothier  of  Hadleighe 
died  beinge  not  1  yeres  olde. 

The  27  of  ffeb.  I  was  at  my  cosen  Munynges,  &  fownde  him  sicke 
&  weake. 

The  same  day  Mres  Bonde  died  &  made  me  her  execute'.     The  2 
of  Marche  she  was  buryed. 

The  xiij'''  of  Marche  Mr.  Philip  Tilney  Esq'  Died. 

The  vij*^  of  Aprill  I  was  appointed  by  Sf  W?  Waldegraue  &  iij 
other  Justices  to  be  one  of  the  ouseers  of  the  poore  &one  of  the  Serch-  [1602.] 
ers  of  Clothe  w*^in  Grot"     Juratus  Sf  oUigatus. 

The  ^j"*  of  Aprill  Hen.  Hartw.  was  maryed  to  E.  Rawlyn  in  cdiems 
vestibus. 

The  20  of  Aprill  Martyn  Piend  died. 

The  29  of  Aprill  Mr.  Frith  pson  of  Harwell  was  here. 


414  APPENDIX. 

1602.  The  X*  of  May  my  daught'  Anne  had  a  nue  gowne  brought  from 
London,  &  the  next  day  my  wife  did  ryde  early  in  the  morning  to 
Harwell. 

The  25  of  Maye  Diuers  houses  in  Melford  were  burned. 

The  28  day  Peter  Parson  died  suddenly. 

The  last  Day  I  was  at  the  Hundred  Court  of  Baber,  where  I  lent 
a  Rentall  of  the  C.  to  the  Bayliffe. 

The  [Jfa«i]  of  June  John  Bai'kers  eldest  soonne  was  Drowned  in 
the  River  behinde  the  mill  of  Boxforde. 

The  last  day  of  June  (?)  it  thundred  &  lightned  a  great  part  of  the 
night,  &  sett  a  tree  on  fyre  in  Stoke  parke,  w'^*'  burned  iiij  dayes. 

On  Saturday  the  vij*  of  August  my  sister  Mildmay,  my  Cosen 
Thomas  her  soonne,  my  Cosen  Browne  &  his  wife  came  to  my  house  & 
Departed  the  xiijth. 

The  ix*''  day  my  sister  Alib%  [and]  my  sister  Veysye  came  to  my 
house,  where  fyve  of  vs  that  are  brethren  &  systers  mett  &  made 
merry,  w*''  we  had  not  doonne  in  xvj  yeres  before. 

The  26"*  day  of  Aug.  John  Goslings  wyfe  was  buryed. 

The  tenth  day  [Sept.]  I  was  at  Smalbridge  &  dined  w*?  olde  ST  W? 
Waldegrave  &  had  his  hand  &  seale  to  a  Certificate. 

The  xv*"  day  Sarah  Alibastf  died  at  Colchestf 

The  1 6  day  the  Arbitrat"  betwene  my  Brother  &  Powle  did  meete 
at  the  Whighte  Lion  in  Groton,  &  ther  was  Powle,  Payne  &  Spenser 
witnesses  for  h" 

The  XX*  of  Sept.  Stephen  Piend  the  yongest  soonne  of  mris  Piend 
died  of  the  Pockes. 

The  xxij*  Tho :  Piend  her  [blanlc]  soonne  died  of  the  same  disease. 

The  xxiij"'  I  sent  Tho.  Mildmay  to  Springfilde. 

The  xxix**"  Day  of  Sept.  my  brother  Veysye  Departed  out  of  Holton 
Hall. 

This  moneth  many  died  of  the  poxe  in  Groton,  &  many  were  sicke 
of  that  disease. 

A  festo  S?  Michis  ArcU  Ad  Rne  Eliz.  xliiif.%  et  Ad  Dhi  1602. 

The  last  day-of  Sept.  Willm  Hills  entered  Holton  Hall,  &  began  to 
dwell  there. 

The  xxj'''  my  sister  Weston  came  to  my  house,  &  she  &  my  wife 
parted  the  lynnen  w''''  my  sister  Hilles  did  give  to  her  ij  Daught'''. 

The  27'^  day  in  the  mornyng  the  Bell  did  gee  for  mother  Tiifeyn, 
but  she  recouered. 


DIAEY  OF  ADAM  WINTHEOP.  415 

The  firste  day  of  Decembre  my  cosen  Tho.  Mildmay  died  at  Spring-  1602. 
fild. 

The  2^  of  December  I  rode  to  Cambridge. 

The  viij*''  day  John  my  soonne  was  admitted  into  Trinitie  Col- 
lege. 

The  xxj'^  day  my  brother  AHbast'  came  to  my  house  &  toulde  me 
y'  he  made  ctayne  inglishe  verses  in  his  sleepe,  w"""  he  recited  vnto  me, 
&  I  lent  him xl^ 

A  festo  nativitat*  Dhi,  A"  1602. 

The  iiij**  of  Januarry  I  rode  to  Springfild  &  the  vj*"  I  Dyned  at 
Danbury  w*''  Mr.  Humfrey   IVIildemay,    «fe    I    retourned    home    the 

vij"' 

The  xth  I  dined  w"*  IVIr.  Dr.  Johanes  at  my  brother  Snellings. 

The  xvij***  day  I  ridde  to  the  Sessions  at  Bury  to  give  evidence 
against  ctein  clothiers  for  strayning. 

The  xviij*  daye  WUtm  Gale  did  give  oner  his  office  of  High 
Constableshippe,  &  John  Gale  of  Hadleigh  was  sworne  in  his 
place. 

The  ix*^  of  ffeb.  I  received  a  Ire  from  my  brother,  out  of  Ireland,  by 
James  his  man. 

The  xxj"^  the  Assises  were  holden  at  Bury,  where  Cricke  was  in- 
dited, accused  for  whitchcrafte. 

At  the  same  assises  Mr.  Rolfe,  Mr.  [6?an^]  &  other  of  the  Justices  of 
the  peace  were  not  named  in  the  Comission. 

The  23""  of  ffeb.  my  cosen  Walter  ]MUdmay  came  to  bourde  w'^  me, 
&,  depted  the  xxx***  of  m. 

The  first  of  March  Josephe  Brond  was  maried  to  Anne  Strutte. 

The  2  of  Marche  my  soonne  went  to  Cambrige,  the  same  day  James  Mr.  Aple- 
Departed  from  Groton.  London.^* 

On  Wedensdaye  the  xxiij*''  of  Marche  Que  Elizabeth  died,^  &  James    ,, 
the  vj*  Kinge  of  Scotland  was  pclaymed  the  next  day  at  London,  &  on 
Satiu-day  the  xxvj"*  at  Colchesf  and  Sudbury,  w"*  great  reioicinge  of 
aU  men. 

The  iiij'**  of  Aprill  JNIr.  Brampton  Gurdons  wife  died  in  Childbed,  of 
the  x'''  Childe. 


1  The  date  of  Queen  Elizabeth's  death  was  the  24th,  and  is  given  correctly  a  few 
paragraphs  after  this. 


416  APPENDIX. 

1603.  The  vij*''  of  Aprill  Robt  Surrey  wife  lay  speechelesse,  &  the  bell 
went  for  her,  but  she  died  the  xiij*''. 

The  xj*''  of  Aprill  I  &  my  Wyfe  Did  ride  to  Bockinge,  to  the 
Christening  of  my  Cosin  Firmins  Childe,  who  was  named  Josephe. 

The  xvij*  Day  of  Aprill  I  received  a  Ire  from  my  brother,  dated 
from  Asmore  the  23  of  ffeb.  1602,  &  also  another  from  James  Elwell 
written  from  London  the  xiiij""  of  Aprill. 

The  same  day  M'  John  Coe  of  Tomblyns  came  to  Groton  Churche 
to  mornyng  prayer. 

A.h  anno  primo  Regni  Rs  Jacohi  primi. 

On  thursday  the  24*''  of  Marche  Queene  Elizabeth  died  at  Riche- 
monde  of  the  age  of  Ixvi  yeres  vj  monethes  &  \_blank\  dayes. 

The  same  daye  was  James  the  vj**"  Kinge  of  Scotts  proclaymed  at 
Xondon,  kinge  of  England,  France  &  Irelande. 

The  iiij'''  of  Aprill  Dr.  Nevill  M"^  of  Trinitie  College  in  Cambrige  & 
Deane  of  Canterbury  went  towarde  Scotlande  to  the  Kinge,  as  sent  by 
the  Archb.  of  Cant'bury,  in  the  name  of  the  Clergie. 

The  xvj'"  of  Aprill  being  Sartirday  the  Kinges  Mat^  came  to  the 
Citty  of  Yorke. 

The  xviij  of  Aprill  Mr.  Clopton  toulde  me  that  the  Kinge  had  sworne 
the  Erles  of  Northumbland  &  Cumbland  of  his  privy  Counsell,  &,  also 
the  L.  Tho.  Howard  &  the  L.  Mountague,  &  that  the  lord  Howarde 
should  be  L.  Chamblayne. 

The  x*''  of  Aprill  the  Erie  of  Southamton  &  S'  Henry  Nevill  were 
deliuered  out  of  the  Tower  by  a  Ire  or  warrant  sent  from  the  Kinge  out 
of  Scotlande,  Dated  5°  Aprilis. 

The  [blank]  of  Aprill  S'  Rob*  CecUl  &  Dius  others  went  to  meete  the 
Kinge  at  Yorke. 

The  21  the  Kinge  did  come  to  Shrewsbery,  the  22  to  Nuewarcke, 
the  23  to  Bever  Castle. 

The  xxiij*''  of  Aprill  the  Justices  of  the  peace  were  sworne  to  the 
Kinge,  &  appointed  Justices  by  force  of  a  nue  Comission. 

The  28*''  day  was  the  funeralles  kept  at  WestiS  for  o''  late  Queene 
Elizabethe. 

The  [blakk]  day  the  Kinges  ma'^  was  at  Cambrige. 

The  third  of  May  the  K.  came  to  Teboldes  to  S'  Robert  Cicilles 
howse. 


DIARY   OF   ADA3I   AVINTHROP.  417 

The  first  ilaye  of  May  being  Sondaye  there  were  iiij  bowses  burned   1603. 
at  Leigbam. 

Tlie  x"'  Dny  of  Maye  Nicholas  Coky  the  yonger  was  maried  to  Eli- 
zabeth Cooke. 

M"*  that  the  K.  ma''"  sett  forthe  a  proclamation  giuen  at  Theobaldes 
tlie  vij"'  of  May  against  licenses  granted  b/the  late  Q.  to  private  psons 
of  all  monopolies,  &  against  propbaning  of  the  Saboth  by  intrudes, 
Biilbaytings  &  all  other  games. 

The  xi  of  May  I  sent  to  Harwell  &  writt  Ires  to  my  L.  Bisshop  of 
Bathe. 

On  Munday  tbe  seconde  of  Maye,  one  Keitley  a  blackesmythe 
dwcUinge  in  Lynton  in  Cambridgeshire  had  a  poore  man  to  his  ffatber 
whom  he  kepte.  A  gentleman  of  the  same  Towne  sent  a  horse  to 
shoe,  the  father  helde  vp  the  horses  legge  whilest  his  soonne  did  shoe 
him.  The  horse  struggled  &  stroke  the  father  on  the  belly  w*''  his 
foote  &  ou''tbrewe  him.  The  soonne  laughed  therat  &  woulde  not 
helpe  his  father  vppe,  for  the  w''''  soine  that  were  their  pnt  reproved 
him  greatlye.  The  soonne  went  forwarde  in  shoinge  of  the  horse,  & 
when  he  had  donne  he  went  vppon  his  backe,  mynding  to  goe  home 
w""  him.  The  horse  piitly  did  throughe  him  of  his  backe  against  a 
poste  &  clave  his  bed  in  sonder.  M"'  Mannocke  did  knows  the  man, 
for  his  mother  was  her  nurse.    Graue  judiciu  Dei  in  irrisorem  pair  is  sui. 

The  same  daye  of  May  the  Bishop  of  Norw*"**  came  ryding  throughe 
Boxforde  towards  Norw"''. 

The  28  day  of  May  Nicholas  Reeve  was  lett  downe  into  a  well  of 
goodman  Coles  at  Holton  by  a  ladd"",  &  the  ladd''  being  pulled  vp  did 
fall  downe  into  the  well,  &  bruised  him  sore  on  his  backe,  he  being 
benethe  in  the  well. 

The  vij""  Day  of  June  olde  Doare  of  the  age  of  Ixv  yeres  maried 
jMargarett  Coe  the  pedlers  daughf.  The  xj'*"  her  sister  died,  &  the 
same  day  I  sawe  a  grey  conye  in  my  woode  yarde. 

The  H  my  cosen  Bulwers  wife  caine  to  my  house  &  toulde 
me  that  my  cosen  T.  M.  childe  was  borne  at  Wetherden,  &  named 
Honor. 

The  17  of  June  I  rid  w"'  Mr.  Powle  to  Colchesf  to  sit  vppon  a 
Comission  w"*  S'  W™  Aylofe  to  inquire  of  the  Wardshippe  of  Will™ 
Ayletts  daughters,  but  the  Jury  founde  no  tenure  in  Capite  for  the 
Kinge.  Mr.  Powle  was  in  danger  to  haue  bin  killed  by  Gilbt  Vintener 
ids  wifes  brother. 

53 


41.8  APPENDIX. 

1603.  The  last  of  June  Mr  Alyston  vicar  of  Acton  borrowed  of  me  the 
Remes  Testament  in  Englishe. 

The  xvij**"  Day  of  July  Alcocks  beastes  were  in  my  barley.  The  same 
day  my  wife  lent  Mres  Sands  xx°.  vppon  a  siluer  &  gilt  salt  seller,  & 
I  lent  ?  to  Will™  Coe  the  day  before. 

The  23*''  daye  of  July  fliy  brother  Mildmay  was  made  knight  at 
Whight-hall ;  my  soonne  came  from  Cambrige. 

The  25  daye  the  kinges  ma*'^  was  crowned  at  Westm'. 

The  same  dale  Rob*  Surrey  was  maried  to  John  Dogetts  maide, 
Thomasin  Hubbard. 

The  26  Daye  Mr.  Bronde  kept  his  Court  at  Edwardston,  &  W™ 
Daye  &  his  wyfe  made  a  S^'rend''  to  me,  &c. 

The  vj  of  Aug.  my  Cosen  Math.  Still  ridde  to  Cambrige. 

The  V*''  day  was  celebrated  for  the  kings  Deliuerance  in  Scotland 
the  same  Day  of  the  moneth  A°  [^blanh']  from  being  murdered  by  the 
Erie  of  Gowiy.  Mr  Birde  preached  at  Boxforde  vppon  the  124  psalme, 
pie  4"  docte. 

The  v**"  of  August  William  Wymerkes  only  soonne  was  killed  at 
Cambridge  w*''  a  peece  of  a  gunne  w*"**  brake  &  killed  iij  more,  he  was 
scholler  of  Trinitie  College :  Si  about  xiiij  yeres  olde. 

The  xvj"'  Day  M^^'  Waldgrave  died. 

The  xxix*''  of  August  Bridgett  the  wife  of  G.  Fitche,  &  before  of 
John  French  &  John  Gosse,  died  of  a  consumption. 

The  xvij""  daye  the  genall  fast  was  kept  at  Boxford,  &  the  xxiiij*'' 
at  Groton,  by  the  Kinges  coinandement. 

The  first  of  August  1  beganne  to  cast  the  great  ponde  in  the  Barne 
close,  &  tooke  out  of  it  7  great  carpes. 

ffrom  the  25  of  August  vntill  the  first  of  Sept.  there  died  of  the 
plauge  in  London  &  w*''out  in  the  Subvrbes  m'^m'^m"  xxxv  psons.^ 

The  iiij*''  of  Sept.  my  cosen  Munnyng  caiSe  to  Groton,  &  1  gaue  him 
iv  books  of  Lewes  Granatensis. 

The  vj*''  of  Sept  the  fast  was  kept  the  2  tyme  at  Groton,  &  Mr. 
Newton  preached  his  first  S''mon  vppon  the  4  of  Amos,  12. 

The  xxj*''  my  cosen  Alibasf  caine  to  my  howse  &  shewed  me  his 
pdon  Dated  the  x**"  of  Septembre. 

1  Was  this  intended  for  3335  persons  ? 


DIARY   OF  ADAM   WINTHEOP.  419 


A  festo  S^  Mich''  Arch'  A"  1603. 

The  viij*''  of  October  my  cosen  Ilcniy  Mildmay  came  to  my  howse.    1603. 

The  [6?a«A-]  day  of  Octobre  Sara  my  cosen  Frosts  wife  died. 

The  xxx'*"  of  Octobre  I  was  witnesse  to  W"  Hilles  sooime  at  Hol- 
ton,  named  Peter,  who  was  borne  the  xviij""  day  of  this  moneth. 

The  last  day  I  was  at  Ipsw''''  &  acknowleged  a  Recognise®  of  xx''  to  Novemb. 
the  kinges  ma"*  to  give  evidence  against  Zachary  Vintener  at  the  next 
Cessions  ther  holden. 

The  seconde  of  Decembre  I  did  ride  to  Cambridge  &  retourned 
home  the  xiiij*. 

The  same  day  one  of  my  Lord  Wyndsors  men,  his  fauconei",  having 
byn  at  the  alehouse,  as  he  went  home  through  Stow  churchyarde,  fell 
into  a  deepe  drye  well  w""  ij  hawkes  on  his  fist,  &  was  fownd  dedde  the 
next  day,  &  one  of  the  hawks  aliue,  but  the  other  was  dedde.  Graue 
judiciu. 

The  xij**"  of  January  M'  Newton  Departed  to  Cambrige  w***  his 
pupilles  from  my  house. 

The  xvj*''  of  Januaiy  I  was  at  the  Sessions  at  Bury,  where  Zach. 
Vintener  was  bayled  by  his  father  &  Mr.  Powle. 

The  viij"*  of  ffebruary  my  cosen  Wa :  Mildmaye  was  at  Groton  after 
he  was  maryed. 

The  ix***  John  Grymwade  did  lye  at  my  house. 

The  x'''  my  Sonne  went  to  Cambrige,  &  the  night  before  Mr.  Cakes 
wife  was  safely  dd  of  a  Daughf  w'^*'  was  hir  first  childe,  named  Eliz. 

The  xj*  day  of  fFeb.  goodman  Plampin  of  Newton  died,  &  the 
[6Zrtnjt]  Lancelott  Baker  of  Stoke  died. 

The  xiiij*  of  ffeb.  Eliz.  Bond  was  maried  to  W.  Swets'". 

The  xxj***  of  ffeb.  Sarah  Bronde  was  Baptized.  The  same  day  one 
Sewell  was  so  bruysd  through  a  fall  w'*'  he  had  in  Camping,  that  he 
died  therof. 

The  xxiiij*  H.  Cookes  wife  died  of  a  consumption,  and  the  first  of 
July  1610,  he  died  of  a  plurisye. 

The  xxvij"*  of  ffeb.  S'  John  Higham  &  S'  Robert  Drury  of  Haw- 
sted,  knightes,  were  chosen  knights  of  the  Shire  of  Suff.  for  the  Par- 
leament  w"''  began  the  xix*^  of  Marche  next  followinge,  And  primo 
Regni  Jacohi  Regis. 

The  first  of  Marche  Zachary  Vintener  was  arraigned  &  condemned 
at  the  Assises  holden  at  Bury,  for  burglary  coinitted  in  Groton  the 
xxiij*^  of  October  last  past. 


420  APPENDIX. 

1 603.  The  same  daye  &  tyme  was  Bridgett  Horneby  condemned  for  kyl- 
linge  of  her  infant  nuely  borne  a;""'  Octohris. 

On  Tuesday  the  xxviij  of  ffeb.  D'.  Whitgifte  Archb.  of  Cant.  Died 
at  Lambethe. 

The  xij*''  of  Marche  John  Speede  caine  to  Groton  &  toulde  me  y*  he 
shoulde  marry  his  m"^,  &  I  pd  Mm  x"  of  his  grandfathers  legacie. 

The  xvj"'  of  Marche  Johnson  Eyd  to  Camb.  to  my  soonne. 

1604.  The  xij*  of  Aprill  Mr.  Clopton  &  Mr.  Dogett  made  an  awarde 
betweene  me  &  Adam  Wynthrop  my  nephew. 

The  same  day  Dr.  Jones  &  Mr.  Parson  dyned  at  my  howse. 

The  xxiiij"'  of  Aprill  my  sonne  retourned  from  Cambridge.  1604. 

The  vj""  of  May  my  sister  Veysye  was  at  Groton. 

The  xxvj"'  of  May  my  soonne  &  my  daughter  did  ride  to  Sjiringe- 
field  to  S"  Thomas  Mildmayes. 

The  same  day  I  Rd  a  Ire  from  my  brother,  dated  at  Corlce  in  Ire- 
land the  first  of  May,  by  James  his  man. 

The  xxix*  my  cosen  Munnyng  was  at  Groton,  &  shewed  me  a  nue 
booke  in  Latine  De  Vnione  Britanice. 

The  last  of  May  Dr.  Duke  &  his  wife  dyned  w*''  me. 

The  xxiiij""  of  June  John  my  soonne  was  witnesse  to  Eobte  Sur- 
reys first  soonne  John,  &  Jane  Kedby  was  godmother. 

The  [hlanli\  of  June  my  Cosen  W™  Alibaster  was  coiSitted  againe  to 
prison  for  popery. 

The  third  of  July  Thorns  Alston  the  yonger  died.  He  lefte  vj  chil- 
dren borne,  &  his  wife  great  w"'  the  Y\f^^.  The  Inventory  of  his  goodes 
came  to — 304-4-8. 

The  xj"'  of  July  th'assises  were  holden  at  Nuemarket. 

The  XYJ""  I  received  a  Ire  from  my  lord  B.  of  Bathe. 

The  xxvij"*  my  sonne  did  ride  to  Cambridge. 

The  ix***  of  Aug.  my  brother  &  sister  Veysey  caiiie  to  Groton,  &  the 
tP^  I  began  to  shere  my  wheate. 

The  same  day  was  a  Court  Baron  holden  at  Groton  hall  for  James 
Dixey. 

The  xiiij*^  of  August  S'  Isaac  Appulton  came  to  speake  w""  me,  & 
the  same  day  M'.  Coe  of  Tomblyns  gave  me  warnynge  of  the  first  of 
September  to  be  at  Sudbury  &c. 

The  xx""  of  Aug.  M'.  Willin  Manocke  dyned  w*  me. 

The  xxj"'  my  Cosen  Muiiynge  cariie  to  Groton. 

The  xxix*^  of  Aug.  Mr.  Clopton  &  I  examined  the  buttalls  of  Stone 
medowe  by  o''  Court  Rules. 


DLMIY   OF   ADAM  ^VINTHIIOP.  421 

The  same  clay  the  Bailiffe  of  Rayleighe  warned  me  to  the  Court.        1604. 

The  xxx"*  of  August  Johane  Betts  my  maide  did  wounde  John 
Wailleys  my  man  in  the  hed  w""  her  patten,  for  the  w"=''  she  was  very  sory. 

The  first  of  Sept.  I  was  before  S'  W""  Waldegrave,  S^  Tlio.  Eden  & 
Mr.  Gurdon  to  answere  to  Goes  complaint  made  against  me  for  occupi- 
enge  of  Stone  medowe. 

The  seconde  of  Sept.  my  daught'  Anne  was  at  Ipswche  at  the  ma- 
riagc  of  my  Cosen  Sparrowes  maide. 

Tlie  iiij'"  of  Sept.  Henry  Cooke  th'eld'  did  mary  Johane  Betts  my 
maide,  he  beinge  Ix  yeres  oulde  &  she  xxxv,  &  his  father  then  livinge 
of  thage  of  xc  yeres. 

The  v"'  I  was  at  Bures  &  dined  w*  M^  Thoius  Waldegrave. 

The  vij"*  of  Sept.  I  rec^  a  pryvye  scale  of  x".  The  same  Day  Tho : 
Kedby  was  arrested. 

The  xij"*  daye  of  Sept.  I  first  heard  of  the  Death  of  my  sister 
Cottye,  who  died  the  ix'^  Day  of  August  last  beinge  of  the  age  of  51 
yeres  9  monethes  &  [ifoni]  dayes. 

The  viij""  of  Sept.  Thomas  Coe  the  eldest  sonne  of  Thom^  Coe  of 
Boxforde,  gent,  my  god  sonne  died  of  the  age  of  xix  yeres  &  x 
monethes. 

The  ix*  of  Sept.  ISIx.  Dudley  Foscue  did  hange  him  selfe  at  IVIres 
Triram"  his  wiues  mothers  house  nere  Cambridgshire,  viz*,  at  Blunts 
hall  in  Little  "Wrattinge. 

The  xxij*  I  lent  the  kings  ma*'®  x"  vppon  a  privie  seale. 

The  xvj""  I  was  at  Hadley  &  Holton,  &  dyned  at  Mr.  AVm  Manocks 
in  Stoke. 

The  XX*''  of  Octobre  John  Speede  came  to  me  for  the  residue  of  his 
gi'anfathers  legacye. 

The  24  I  rode  towards  London  &  retorned  the  xxx*''  of  the  same 
moneth. 

The  same  day  it  was  pclaymed  that  England  &  Scotland  shoulde  be  24  Oct. 
cidled  Great  Brittaine. 

The  V*''  of  Novembre  my  soonne  did  ryde  into  Esses  w*^  WillrS  Forth 
to  Great  Stambridge. 

The  last  of  Novemb.  I  rode  to  Cambridge  to  keepe  the  Audit  at 
Trinitie  CoUedge,  &  I  ret.  the  xv*''  of  December. 

The  xxvi""  of  Decembre  Mr.  Tasker  died. 

The  xiiij"'  of  Jan.  my  Cosen  Nath.  Still  calne  to  G. 

The  xv*"  day  Josephe  Cole  &  Marye  Gale  were  maried  betymes  in 
the  mornynge. 


422  APPENDIX. 

1604.  The  xv  of  flfeb.  my  Cosen  W"  Mildmayes  late  wife  Died  in  the 
Tower  of  London. 

The  xxiij*^  T.  F.  caine  to  Groton,  &  was  maried  to  my  daught' 
Anne  the  xxv**"  &  they  departed  toward  London,  the  xxvij*  day  of  ffeb., 
1604.1 

The  v*  of  March  the  Wyndmille  in  Boxforde  was  blowen  downe,  & 
Will"  Jarrold  &  ij  others  were  sore  hurt  therby,  whereof  he  died  the 
vij  of  Marche. 

The  xij  of  Marche  I  soulde  Mr.  Mannocke  xxj'^  sheepe  for  ix'^ 
xij'. 

The  xiij*  of  Marche  the  Assises  were  at  Bury. 

The  same  day  Mr.  Powles  onlie  soonne  died  of  th'age  of  vij  yeres, 
&  his  wife  died  the  xx*^  of  Marche. 

The  xiiij^''  I  &  my  soonne  viewed  ou  Mr.  John  Foorthes  land  at  Car- 
sey  &  Hadley. 

The  xxj*''  of  Marche  Mris  Powle  was  buried. 

The  xv*^  of  Marche  Mres  Browne  was  condemned  of  petit  Treason 
for  pcuringe  one  Peter  Gouldinge  to  murder  her  husband,  Mr.  Browne, 
for  the  w"''  facte  the  said  Peter  was  hanged  &  she  burned  quicke  at 
Bury  the  xix**"  of  Marche. 

The  same  daye  I  received  a  Ire  from  my  brother  out  of  Ireland,  dated 
2  Martij  1604. 

The  xxvj*^  of  Marche  I  «&  my  soonne  did  ride  to  Mr.  John  Foorthes 
of  Greate  Stambridge  in  Ess^ 

The  xxviij""  day  my  soonne  was  sollemly  contracted  to  Mary  Foorth 
by  Mr.  Culverwell  minister  of  Greate  Stambridge  in  Essex.  Cu  con- 
sensu parentu. 

,r>Qr  A  festo  Anne  hte  Marie  Virginis  Occurrentia. 

The  xxx*^  of  Marche  my  brother  "Wynthrop  caine  to  Chelmis- 
ford. 

The  v'^  my  brother  came  to  Groton,  after  his  Retorne  out  of  Ireland, 
&  departed  the  ix**"  of  June. 

The  ix*  my  sonne  did  ryde  into  Essex. 

The  xvj'''  of  Aprill  he  was  married  at  Great  Stambridge,  by  Mr. 
Culverwell,  A"  etatis  sue  17°  3  mensihus  &  4  diebus  completis. 


1  Thomas  Fones  was  the  husband  of  Adam's  daughter  Anne.     See  page  50,  and 
note  1. 


DLVIIY    OF   ADAM    AVINTHROP.  423 

The  25   Day  of  Aprill  IM"^'  Anne  Cloptou  was  marryed  to  John    1605. 
Mayston  of  Boxsted  gent. 

The  27  John  Johnson  the  Taylo"^  died. 

The  viij""  of  May  my  soonne  &  liis  wife  caiiie  to  Groton  from  Lon- 
don &  the  ix***  I  made  a  mariage  feaste,  when  S'  Tho"'  Mildmay  &  his 
lady  my  sister  were  pnt. 

The  same  day  my  sister  Veysye  came  to  me,  &  departed  on  fryday 
the  24  of  Maye. 

My  dauter  Fones  came  the  viij*^  of  May,  &  depted  home  the  xxiij'" 
of  Maye. 

On  Munday  the  third  day  of  June,  John  Gosling  of  Groton  &  John 
Massey  of  Edwardston  died. 

The  vj"'  of  June  Mr.  Will"  Manocke  dined  at  my  house  in  Groton. 

The  viij'^  my  Cosen  Duke  was  dd  of  hir  first  sonne  before  her 
tyme. 

The  ix*''  I  did  ride  w*^  my  brother  Wynthrop  into  Ess.  &  retomed 
the  xvij"". 

The  XX*''  my  brother  departed  from  London  towards  Mand. 

The  same  day  I  cutt  my  bearde.    3Iale. 

The  26  it  thundred  &  lightened  wond''fullye. 

The  first  of  July  my  Cosen  Wa.  IVIildmay  &  his  wyfe  caine. 

The  3  of  July  I  did  ride  to  Bury  to  th  assises,  &  the  xv*  to  th 
assises  at  Chelmisford. 

The  xviij"*  day  of  July  Mr,  Welshe  the  pcher  of  Little  W.  died, 
&  was  buried  in  the  said  Churche  the  xx*"*  of  July.  Mr.  Knewstub 
pched  the  funerall  se''mon,  &  he  w""  other  preachers  caried  his  coffin  on 
ther  shoulders. 

The  xxiiij*  of  July  I  &  my  wife,  w*  my  soonne  &  his  wife  did 
ride  to  the  Baptising  of  John  Hilles  the  sonne  of  W""  Hilles  of 
Holton. 

The  next  day  my  soonne  &  his  wife  did  ride  to  her  fathers  in 
Essex. 

The  29  of  July  the  Sessions  were  kept  at  Groton  by  S''  W"  Walde- 
graue,  S'  Tho :  Eden,  Mr.  Gurdon,  Mr.  Clopton,  S'  G.  "Waldegraue, 
]Mr.  Cratchreede,  Mr.  Walton. 

The  XXX*  of  July  Mr.  Clopton  kept  a  Court  at  Castleines 
Hall. 

The  first  of  August  my  soonne  Fones  caiiie  to  Groton  from  London. 
The  same  daye  H.  M.  pched  at  Boxford  a  very  godly  &  learned  s''mon  Munnings. 
vppon  the  v  chap,  of  Gen.  v.  1.  2.  3. 


424  APPENDIX. 

1 605.        The  iiij*  of  Aug.  Joliane  Cooke  was  dd  of  a  girle,  an  Hermopliro- 
Abigail   jjte^ 

The  viij'''  of  August  Edward  Alstons  eldest  sone  was  borne  in  Box- 
forde  &  M''"'  Wheeler  died. 
Jam.  4.         -pj^g  xxix""  Mr.  Rogers  preached  at  Boxford.  The  same  day  my  sonne 
'  .'   ^   ■    did  ride  to  Stambridge. 

The  third  of  Sept.  Mr.  Manock  &  his  eldest  sonne  dyned  at  my 
house. 

The  V*''  I  was  sworne  at  Stowe  before  S'  W'"  Waldegrave  &  other 
Comission''s  for  to  inquire  of  Recusants  landes  &  goodes. 

A  festo  set  Michls  And  RR.  Jacohi  S^c.  Tercio. 

'The  viij"'  [Oct.]  the  goodwyfe  Lappage  was  buried. 

The  xxix""  of  Oct.  Justine  Nicholson  was  maryed  to  Josua  Stocker 
at  Edwardston. 
iiijii  p  An.       The  iij''  of  Decemb""  I  did  ryde  to  the  Auditt  at  Trinity  Coll.  & 
retourned  the  xvij*. 

The  X*  of  Decemb.  Eliz.  Piene  was  maried. 

The  iiij"'  of  Jan :  Mr.  Tomkes  a  fellowe  of  Txinitie  College  was  at 
my  house. 

The  xviij"*  of  January  my  Cosen  Wa :  Mildmay  &  iiij  oth^  gents 
made  a  great  sturre  at  Bury. 

The  XXX  &  xxxj  of  Jan.  viij  traito"  were  hanged  &  Q''tered,  wherof 
Ambrose  Rookewood  of  Coldhin  hall  in  Suff.  was  one. 

On  Wedensday  in  the  morning  the  12   of  IFeb.  my  soonnes  first 
soonne  was  borne  in  Groton. 

The  23  of  ffeb.  beinge  Sunday  my  soonnes  first  soonne  was  baptized 
&  named  John.^ 

The  seconde  of  March  being  Sunday,  about  vij  of  the  Clocke  in  the 
evenynge  the  goodwyfe  Dogett  died. 

The  vj*''  of  Marche  being  Thursday  Henry  Vinten  thelder  died  of 
thage  of  Ixx  yeres. 

The  xv'^  day  of  March  ther  were  great  stormes  of  wynde,  w"''  did 
muche  hurt  to  bowses. 

The  same  daye  Thom^  Humfreys  bowse  was  burnt  downe  at  Mel- 
fourde. 


1  A  rich  christening  robe  of  embroidered  satin,  which  is  said  to  have  been 
■worn  by  the  future  Governor  of  Connecticut  on  this  occasion,  has  long  been  in 
possession  of  the  Hon.  David  Sears,  one  of  his  lineal  descendants. 


DIAEY   OF   AD.VM  WINTHROP.  425 

The  xv"^  day  of  Aprill  I  kept  a  Court  for  my  brother  Snellhig  at   1^^6. 
Shimplinge. 

Tlie  xix""  of  Aprill  my  sister  SnelUnge  sent  me  xxiiij""  younge        " 
pigeons  to  store  my  clove  house. 

The  xxiij""  of  Aprill  Mr"  Clopton  sent  me  [hlunk'j  pigeons  &  Steven 
Plomb  a  payre  of  tame  pigeons. 

The  xxvijj"'  I  kept  a  Court  at  Groton  Hall. 

The  iij''  of  Maye  I  putt  xlv  younge  pigeons  into  my  nue  Dovehouse. 

The  TJ"'  of  ]Maye  I  was  at  a  Court  in  Hadleighe,  &  did  fealty  for  a 
Tcneiu'  &  etaine  landes. 

The  viij'"  of  Maye  Willi5  Gale  of  Hadley  died. 

The  26  my  soonne  &  his  wife  w*  their  soonne  did  ride  to  Hadley. 

The  27  Mr''  Alston  &  her  sister  Mary  dined  w'"  me. 

The  29  Nath.  &  Phebe  were  maryed  &  kept  ther  dinii"'  at  Deathes 
on  Horners  greene  in  Groton. 

The  x*^  of  June  John  Dixon  theld'  died  in  Groton. 

A  festo  nativitatf  s"  Joliis  Baptiste.  '  24  Junij. 

On  Sunday  the  [iZan^]  of  June  the  Q.  was  dd  of  a  Daughter. 

The  29  I  kept  a  Court  at  Shimplinge. 

The  viij'''  of  July  Mr.  Brampton  Gurdon  was  maried  to  his  seconde 
wife. 

The  28  of  August  INIi'.  Arminger  had  a  fall  of  his  horse  &  brake  liis 
legge. 

CO 

The  first  of  Sept.  I  did  give  an  estate  to  my  soonne  in  the  house  & 
lande  called  Wrights  in  the  ffenne. 

The  thirde  of  Sept.  we  did  ride  w""  JNIr.  Sands  to  Stambrige,  &.  the 
vj"*  my  Sonne  tooke  an  estate. 

The  ix*''  of  Sept.  my  Cosen  Laysters  wife  cafiie  to  my  house,  & 
the  x""  goodwife  Ponde  was  dd  of  hir  third  soonne. 

The  same  day  the  great  Appletree  next  the  kille  house  was  fyred 
for  to  distroy  a  hornetts  nest. 

The  xiiij'*"  of  Sept.  Mr.  Sands  p''ched  at  Groton,  &  dyned  w***  me. 
y"  same  day  Bonde  atturned  to  my  sonne. 

The  xviij""  M"'  Alston  &  her  sister  dined  w*''  me. 

The  xix**"  »day  John  Still  caSae  to  my  house. 

The  thirtieth  of  Sept.  Beniamin  Bronde  was  maryed  at  Ipswich  to 
[6/«nZ;]  Cutler.     The  same  day  I  dyned  at  Mr.  Sands. 

54 


426  APPENDIX. 

1606.        The  vij""  of  September  the  nue  howse  at  Castleynes  hethe  was  sett 
vp  by  Surrey. 

A  festo  sci  Michaelis  Arclf  A°  sup^  Dicto. 

October.  The  2  day  I  kept  a  Court  for  Mr.  Manocke  at  Toppesfilde. 

The  xiiij'^  Mr,  D''.  Goade  preched  at  Boxford. 

The  xxj"*  I  kept  a  Court  &  leete  at  Shimplinge. 

The  xxiiij"'  the  Bell  went  at  Groton  for  fathe''  Cooke  &  at  Boxford 
for  Zachary  Bonde. 

The  same  day  I  rec*  a  Ire  from  my  Lady  Mildmay  &  writt  her  an 
answere  pntly. 

The  xxv*"*  day  John  Cooke  of  th'age  of  c  yeres  died. 

The  30  my  soonne  did  ride  to  London  by  Stambridge. 
November.       The  seconde  ther  fell  muche  Snowe  «&  Eayne. 

The  vj"'  Zachary  Bond  died- 

The  ix*  Jane  Kedby  was  maryed  to  Thomas  Driffild  a  citizin  &. 
•         ^Grocer  of  London. 

The  xiiij*  M"^  Goodday  &  M""  Pointell  were  w'''  me. 

The  xvij*''  of  December  Stephen  Plombe  was  maried  att  London. 
The  [itawi]  daye  Tho.  Fitch  was  slayne. 

The  first  of  Jan  :  JVIr.  Armiger  «&  his  wife  &  her  sister  Alston  dyned 
at  my  howse,  with  diu""'  others. 

The  viij'"  of  Jan:  father  Smyth  of  Toppesfild  came  to  me,  & 
brought  me  a  fatt  Capon,  &  James  Botts  a  bottle  of  secke.  Also  M™ 
Alston  sent  me  a  fatt  goose  &  a  bottle  of  muskadine,  on  nue  yeres  daye. 

The  xj  of  Jan.  Simon  Blumfild  sent  me  ij  Capons. 

The  xv'^  I  satt  vppon  a  Comission  w***  M''  Clopton  at  Lanhm. 

The  xx*^  of  Jan.  was  very  tempestuous  &  wyndye,  w*  did  muche 
harme  to  howses  &  trees. 

The  21  of  Jan :  I  &  my  soonne  did  give  warnynge  to  Ponde  to  leaue 
the  copy  landes. 

The  16  M'  Nicholas  Hubbarde  died. 

The  xviij***  I  did  keepe  a  Court  at  Toppesfild. 
The  xx*"  the  Assises  were  holden  at  Bury. 

The  26  John  Wynthrop  was  weaned.    The  same  Day  I  went  to  Bret- 
tenhrn  &  brought  my  cosens  wyfe  to  my  house. 
1607.        The  first  of  Aprill  John  Bogas  th' eld' died. 

The  vij"*  I  was  at  Hadleigh  at  the  mariage  of  S^  W""  Waldegraves 
man,  whereat  was  a  greate  offeringe. 


DIARY   OF   ADAIM   WmTHEOP.  427 

The  viij*''  of  Aprill  Thomas  Polley  was  maryed  to  Anne  Speed,  toe    1607. 
whom  I  p^  xxv". 

The  xiij""  of  Aprill  my  Cosen  Nath  Still  cariie  to  my  house  & 
brought  me  a  Ire  from  his  father. 

The  xiiij**"  day  I  was  at  Hadley  to  S'^vey  Robert  Veysyes  howse  & 
lande  for  my  L.  BB.  of  Bathe, 

The  xxj"*  of  Aprill  my  souue  &  his  wyfe  did  ride  into  Essex,  to  hir 
fathers. 

The  26  of  Aprill,  Richd.  Cooke  sen.  died  &  was  buryed. 

The  [i/ani]  of  June  John  Robtson  died. 

The  3  of  July  Justine  Nicholson  the  wife  of  John  Stocker  was  dd 
of  her  first  soonne. 

The  same  day  Jo.  Nutton  did  give  my  soonne  a  fawne. 

The  22  of  July  I  was  sworne  one  of  the  grande  Jury  at  thassises 
then  holden  at  Bury,  before  my  L.  Coke.  Mr.  Ryce  was  the  fore- 
man. 

The  23  JMiles  the  Inform''  stoode  on  the  pillory,  &  the  next  daye 
Bowman,  a  promoter.  Also  Wyles  a  merch*  of  Ipsw'^''  was  arrayned 
&  condemnd  for  poysonynge  one  Aldriche,  his  wives  first  husband, 
who  denied  the  fact  at  the  time  of  his  deathe,  27  Julij,  1607. 

The  third  of  Aug.  Anne  Gosling  &  Fra.  Kedby  were  maryed. 

The  14  of  Aug.  the  bridge  in  Howfild  was  made. 

The  xv***  of  Sept.  my  ten'  John  Ravens  died. 

The  XYJ*^  Mr.  Tho.  Waldgraue  &  M"".  W™  Clopton  made  an  awarde 
betweene  me  &  Mr.  Powle. 

The  22""  of  September  I  p^  Mr.  Powle  x''  in  full  satisfaction  of  all 
raatt'^'*  in  question,  &  he  sealed  me  a  genall  releas,  Dated  the  same 
daye,  &  I  sealed  to  him  a  Releas  of  all  accions  psonaly,  dated  the  twen- 
tythe  of  September,  in  the  presence  of  ]VIr.  Clopton,  &  my  soonne,  & 
James  Dixon.  / 

M*  that  the  29  of  September  being  Michillmas  day,  olde  Surreys 
wyfe  did  fall  into  the  water  at  Homers  brooke,  in  Groton,  &  was  in  dan- 
ger of  drownyng  if  Podds  wyfe  had  not  stept  into  the  water  &  holdeu 
vp  her  bed  vntill  more  helpe  came  to  pull  her  out. 

A  festo  Sci  Micaelis  ArcM,  ano  supradicto. 

The  vj""  of  October  I  kept  a  leete  &  Court  Baron  for  Llr.  Edward 
Newport  at  Bromley  hall  in  Essex. 


428  APPENDIX. 

1607.  The  26  of  Octobre  John  Spenser  the  soonne  &  heire  of  Richard 
Spenser  of  Groton,  wounded  John  Peny  of  Hadley  in  his  hed  w""  his 
dagger,  wherof  he  died  the  30'^. 

The  28  being  Weddensday,  Elizabeth  the  wife  of  Thorns  Walton 
Esq''  died  at  Hadley, 

On  fryday  the  30*  of  Octobre  my  sister  Mildemaye  had  a  fall 
in  her  chambre  wherof  she  died  the  viij"^  of  November  follow- 
inge. 

The  2  of  November  I  did  ryde  to  Springfild,  &  retourned  the  7""  & 
the  111  did  ryde  thether  againe  to  hir  BuriaU,  the  w''^  was  on  the  xv*^ 
of  November. 

A  festo  nativitatis  Dhi  nri  Jesu  Cfliri,  1607. 

On  S'  Stevens  day  the  first  sonne  of  Mr.  Driffild  and  Jane  his  wife 
was  baptized  «fe  named  Thomas. 

The  last  of  Decembr  Mr  Williii  Amyes  preached  at  Boxford  vppon 
the  80  psalme  &  first  verse,    fie  &  docte. 

On  fryday  the  8  of  January  Mr.  W™  Clopton  kept  a  Court  for  his 
father  at  Samford  in  Great  Waldingfild,  &  did  give  the  Charge  very 
oratorylike.  The  same  day  Manfield  caryed  an  Ashe  of  the  heathe, 
&c. 

The  xiij""  of  Jan.  I  did  ryde  to  Stambrige  &  reto''ned  the  xix"*. 

The  xx'^  of  Jan.  my  soonnes  second  soone  Henry  was  Christened 
at  Groton,  Mr.  Sands  &  my  b.  Snelling  were  his  godfathers. 

The  2.  Mr.  Tho.  Newton  pched  at  Boxford,  Jud.  v.  5. 

The  viij""  of  flPeb.  beinge  Shrovetuesday,  the  L.  Cokes  seconde 
soonne  maryed  the  daughter  &  heire  of  S"'  George  Waldegraue  at 
Hicham. 

The  xvij'^  of  ffeb.  Jane  Dryfild  &  hir  childe  departed  from  hir 
mothers  in  Groton,  to  goe  to  London.  The  night  before  she  was  in 
danger  to  haue  bin  burned  in  hir  bedde,  &  as  she  rode  througlie  Box- 
ford hir  childe  fell  into  the  water  at  Boxford  bridge.  Hcbc  sunt  maloru 
omina. 

The  xviij*  of  ifebruary  Amy  Veysye  was  maried. 

The  la6t  of  ffebruary  on  Munday  about  ix  of  the  clocke  in  the  fore- 
noone  Mr.  Lawrence  Hargrave,  an  Attoray  of  the  Comon  Place, 
Departed  this  life  in  the  62  yere  of  his  age,  at  his  howse  in  Groton. 

The  xvj"'  of  Marche  I  did  ride  to  Stambridge,  &  retorned  the  xxiij"* 
foUowino-e.     flTather  Michelefild  died. 


DL\EY    OF    XDAM.   WIXTHROP.  429 

The  iiij*''  of  Aprill  Anne  Goslin  {lie  wyfe  of  Nath  Waru  died  of  a    1608. 
Consumption,  aftei*  she  had  bin  riiaryed  viij  monethes. 

The  ix"'  of  Aprill  Josephe  Bronde  the  soonne  of  Rich  John  Bronde 
of  Boxford  was  fownde  dead  in  his  Chamber,  being  wounded  w*''  a 
paire  of  shires  sticking  in  his  bellye.      Graue  judiciu. 

The  x""  of  Aprill  my  soonne  did  ride  towards  Stambridge. 

The  xj"*  of  Aprill  Ezechiel  Bonde  was  putt  to  schoole  to  INIr.  Bar- 
foote  of  Edwardston. 

The  same  day  ther  happened  a  fire  in  Bury  w"*"  consumed  abouc  cc 
bowses. 

The  xiij***  my  vryfe  &  my  soonne  did  ryde  to  London. 

The  v"*  of  Maye  the  Erie  of  Sarisbury  was  sworne  L.  Treasorer  at 
"Westin. 

The  17  day  of  June  Willm  Sweetman  was  maried  to  Eve  Cooke, 
wid,  by  Mr.  Deersley  in  Groton  churche. 

A  festo  nativitatis  Set  Johis  Baptiste.  24  Junij.  \ 

1608.    1 

The  xxiiij"*  daye  of  June  my  soonne  Fones  &  his  wife  caine  from 
London  to  Groton. 

The  last  of  June  I  made  Robt.  Waspes  will. 

The  iiij""  of  July  old  Mris  Guixlon  died  suddenly. 

The  V*''  Mr.  Williu  Clopton  the  yonger  coiiiensed  M'  of  Ai-te  at 
Cambridge. 

The  same  day  the  Assises  began  at  Bury,  &  the  next  day  Rich. 
Spenser  of  Groton  Avas  Indited  for  beatinge  of  Sharman  the  Constable, 
&,  fined  to  pay  x"  to  the  Kinge. 

On  Thursday  the  vij*  of  July  Mres  Gurdon  was  buryed  in  Assing- 
ton  Churche,  &  Mr.  Knewstub  preached. 

The  xij"*  of  July  I  was  at  Hadley  &  heard  Dr  Jones  preache  at  the 
buriall  of  the  wydowe  Gale.     Act.  9,  v.  36. 

The  xvij""  of  .July  Jane  Nicholson  my  goddaughter  was  Baptized, 
et  ilia  confessus  est  ^  non  negavit  palcun,  Sec. 

The  28  Tho.  Turno"  &  Abigail  Beamond  were  maryed. 

The  xxv***  of  July  my  lorde  Coke  chiefe  Justice  of  the  comon  plaeis 
came  to  Hichiii  to  S'  G.  "Waldegraues,  cm  magno  comitatu  amicoru  ^ 
famulorii  stipatus.  Au"-ust. 

The  2  I  was  at  Melford  before  the  Cornission". 

The  XXV*  day  [of]  August  Thomas  Paine  of  Charsfield  was  maried 
to  Elizabeth  Alston  of  Groton,  wydowe. 


430  APPEISHDIX. 

1608.         The  xiiij*''  of  Sept.  S'  Isaac  Appulton,  knight,  died  at  little  Walding- 
field. 

The  28*  the  Court  was  kept  at  Groton  hall  by  John  Potter,  the 
same  day  my  sister  Winthrop  came  to  my  house,  &  Eliz.  HUles  had  a 
sutor. 

A  festo  SCI  MicMs  Archi  Ano  sup^  dicto. 

The  iij*  of  Octobre  my  cosen  Nathanaell  Still  &  his  brother  Jf)ha 
were  at  Groton. 

The  iiij"'  S"'  Robert  Crane  sent  his  Coche  for  me,  my  wyfe  &  my 
Daughf  Winthrop,  to  dine  w*''  him  at  Chilton. 

The  vj*''  Mr.  Ben :  Brond  kept  Court  &  leet  at  Edwardston. 

The  X*  of  Octobre  my  soonne  &  his  wyfe  departed  from  Groton  to 
dwell  at  Stambridge  in  Essex. 

The  xj**"  day  Robert  Waspe  died  &  was  buryed. 

The  xxj'''  my  daught"  Jane  &  Eliz.  Hilles  went  to  Chilton  hall. 

The  xxij*  my  soonne  Fones  came  to  Groton.  And  the  xxiiij""  in 
the  morninge  my  daughter  his  wife  was  dd  of  hir  first  childe,  a 
daughter. 

The  same  day  I  kept  a  Court  at  Bromeley  hall. 

The  xxvi""  S'  Robert  Crane  canie  to  my  howse. 

The  2  of  November  my  daught''  Fones  daught'  was  Christened.  S' 
Robt  Crane  &  his  Lady  were  pnt,  &  she  was  witnesse  w**"  Mres.  Sam- 
son &  M'"^  Bronde  &  my  selfe.     She  named  the  Childe  Dorothey. 

The  xvj'*'  day  Mr.  Clopton,  Mr.  B.  Gurdon  &  D^  Duke  were  comit- 
ted  to  the  fileete  by  my  L.  Chancello"'. 

The  24  Mr  Parson  of  muche  Bentley  preached  at  Boxford. 

The  seconde  day  of  December  I  did  ryde  to  Cambridge. 

The  same  day  my  brother  Weston,  the  Vicar  of  Wormingforde  in 
Essex  died. 

The  iiij*  of  December  Barnabe  Warde,  my  tenant,  died. 

The  xij""  of  December  I  retorned  home  from  the  Auditt. 

The  xix*''  of  Dece.  my  soone  Fones  &  his  wyfe  w*  their  little 
Daughf  Depted  towards  London.  24°  Jllia  sua  in  lecto  mortua  est 
inventa. 

.    A  festo  scl  Nativitatis  Dm  Nri  Jesu  Cfhri. 

The  xij*  of  January  Mr.  Sands  preached  at  Boxford. 
The  xix*'''M'  Care  we  preached  at  B :  -«fe  I  dyned  w*  him  at  Mr. 
Brondes,  &  muche  snowe  fell. 


DLUIY  OF  ADAM  AnNTHEOP.  431 

The  26  Mr.  Chaplayne  did  preach  at  Boxford.  1608. 

The  4  of  ffeb.  I  went  to  Hadley  to  see  my  sister  Alib.  The  same 
daye  John  Wynthrop  hurt  his  forhed  w**^  a  fall. 

The  vj'"  of  ffeb.  Dr.  Some  M'"  of  Peter  house  died,  &  Dr.  Playfere 
died  the  [6/a»i]  of  January. 

The  21  of  ffeb.  Harry  Pease  brought  me  a  Ire  from  my  soonne. 

The  last  of  ffeb.  John  Rawlinson  graffed  xx  beds  for  me  in  my 
nue  orcharde.  The  wyude  blue  very  colde  &  Rough  out  of  tlie  west,  & 
rigehant  oes. 

The  2  of  jNIarche  Mr.  Sands  pched  at  Boxford,  after  his  retourne 
from  London. 

The  xj"*  S''  Henry  Mildmay  my  nephew  caiiie  to  G.  &  the  next  day, 
being  Sonday,  he  ryd  to  Bury. 

The  xiij"*  th  assises  were  holden  at  Bury. 

The  xviij"'  S'  Willm  Waldegrave  tooke  a  genal  view  of  Diu^'s  townes 
at  Assington  for  the  pviding  of  Armo'. 

The  last  of  Marehe  the  Coiiiissions  did  sett  at  Bury,  for  the  levienge    1609. 
of  Aide  to  make  the  prince  knight. 

The  3  of  Aprill  my  sister  Winthrop  caiiie  to  Groton,  w**"  her  Cosen 
Thomas  Springe. 

The  vj""  goodwife  Potter  the  midwife  died. 

The  xiiij"*  day  my  soonne  John  W.  &  his  wife  came  to  my  house 
from  Stambridge  in  Essex. 

The  first  of  May  my  wyfe  did  ryde  w**"  my  soonne  &  his  wyfe  into 
Essex  to  Stambridge.  The  same  day  Mi-.  Nicholsons  soonne  was  to  be 
arrayned  at  the  gr'"  Sessions  in  Bury.  &c. 

The  xj*^  of  May  Mr.  Cartar  pched  at  Boxford.     Rom.  6.  12. 

The  first  of  June  my  nephew  S'  Henry  Mildmay  was  maried  to  S' 
"Willin  Harris  his  Daughf  of  Crickesey. 

The  27  thassises  were  holden  at  Bury. 

The  xj""  of  August  my  soonne  was  taken  w**"  a  fierce  ague,  &  the 
xviij'"  I  rodde  to  Stambridge  to  see  him,  &  retorned  the  xxij*. 

The  seconde  of  Sept.  Mr.  Knewstub  preached  at  Boxf. 

The  v^  of  September  Thomas  Walton,  Esq'  Died  at  Hadley  of  the 
age  of  Ix  yeres.  i 

The  xiij""  day  I  kept  a  Court  at  Toppeffilde.  October. 

The  xviij*"  day  Will™  Gale  had  a  house  burnt. 

The  xxv"*  my  soonne  kept  his  first  Court  at  Groton  hall,  where  a 
Recouery  was  sued  against  Ed.  Robtson. 


432  APPENDIX. 

1609.  The  first  day  of  Novembre  John  Rawlinge  kept  a  feast  at  his  nue 
house,  where  Mr.   Thorns  Tibiey,  Mr.  Dogett,  &  diii''^  others  dined. 

The  viij""  I  did  ryde  towards  London  &  retourned  the  xiiij"'. 

The  xij"'  I  did  heare  D"  Kinge  preache  a  Sermon  at  S'  Andrewes  in 
Holbrone,  vppon  the  14.  Job.  v.  1.  pie  &  erudite. 

The  xxiij'^  of  Novemb'  I  went  to  Lanham  to  my  sister  Win- 
throp. 

The  xix*  of  December  my  soonne  John  Winthrop  &  my  nephewe 
Abraham  Veysie  caine  to  Groton. 

The  xxx**"  Day  of  Decembr  my  sonnes  third  sonne  was  borne  at 
Stambridge  in  Essex. 
January.         The  22  &  23  Mr.  Dr.  Meriton  came  to  speake  w*''  me  about  the 
resigninge  of  my  office  in  Trinity  College  to  Mr.  Brookes. 

The  xiiij*""  of  Marche  I  DjTied  at  D""  Meritons  in  Hadley,  «fe  Re- 
ceived of  him  a  xx"  for  my  Audito'shippe. 

One  Sundaie  the  21*  of  January  my  daughter  Fones  was  dd  of  her 
seconde  Daughter. 

One  thursday  the  25*  Mr.  Dr.  Jones  preached  at  Boxf.  on  the  3 
Chap,  of  Ecclesiastes  v.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8. 

The  26.  Ruthe  Sindlande  was  drowned  &  I  inquired  vppon  hir 
Death  as  Coroner. 

The  27  I  surrendered  my  Auditorship  in  Trinity e  College  to  the  M'', 
fellowes  &  schollers  before  a  pub.  notary. 

The  xiij*  of  ffeb.  I  was  godfather  to  Jasp  Riddlesdals  Daughter. 

On  Wedensday  the  thirde  of  Marche  S''  John  Spenser  of  London 
Died  suddenly,  as  he  was  pullinge  on  his  nether-stocks  in  the  mornynge, 
&  was  buryed  the  \Uank\  of  Marche. 

The  xj*  of  Marche  Mr.  Kne^stub  preached  at  Boxford. 

The  xiiij*  thassises  were  holden  at  Chelmesforde  by  Baron  Althin 
only,  &  S''  Tho :  Mildmay  of  Barnes  in  Springfild  was  highe  shrive. 

1610.  O^  Munday  the  xvj*  of  Aprill  M''  Rich.  Brooke  the  nue  Aiidito''  of 
Trinity  College  was  at  my  house  in  Groton,  to  whom  I  dd  diu"  pap 
books  &  Roles  towchinge  his  office. 

On  ffryday  the  xviij  of  May  my  wife  did  ride  to  London  w*  Mres 
Pyne.     Mr.  Bronde  died  suddenly. 

On  Munday  in  the  morninge  Richarde  Plum  Died,  of  thage  of  ^jy  vj 
yeres. 

The  same  dale  Thomas  Page  his  wife  was  dd  of  ij  Children. 

On  fryday  the  viij*  of  June  Mr.  Lovell  the  preacher  died.  Vir 
bonus  ac  pius,  nulli  pietate  secundus.     ^tatis  64. 


ALMANACS    OF   ADAM  WTNTHROP,  433 

The  xiij*^  of  June,  my  Cosen  Munnynge  &  Mr.  Marcellyne  were  at 
my  house,  at  w**  tyme  I  did  give  my  cosen  a  Scotch  dagger  &  Mr. 
Marcellyne  a  nue  kqyfe. 

The  xiiij**"  of  June  Mr.  Rogers  preached  at  Boxford. 

The  first  of  July,  Henry  Cooke  my  Tenant  died  of  a  Pluresye. 

The  same  day  my  sooime  John  Winthrop  came  to  Groton. 


II. 


MEMORANDA    FROM  ^THE    ALMANACS    OF   ADAM 
WINTHROP.' 

From  a  copy  of  Ponders  Almanac  for  1603. 

1603.  March  15.  Kinge  James,  Q.  Anne,  &  Henry  y'  prince  of  Wales 
rode  through  y®  Cytty  of  London  from  y®  Tower  to  Whighthall. 

19.  The  Parleament  began  at  Westminster,  where  the  K.  made  an 
Eloquent  Oration  to  y'  Lordes  &  Comons. 

March  24.  Q.  Eliz.  died  at  Richmonde,  and  K.  James  was  pro- 
claymed,  ano  1 602.  The  same  day  S'  Rob.  Gary  tooke  his  journey  in 
post  towardes  Scotland ;  and  w*in  three  dales  he  came  to  Edenbur- 
rough,  and  certified  the  Kinge  thereof,  being  welneere  300  myles. 

26.  The  K.  was  proclaymed  in  Berwicke. 

27.  The  Towne  was  surrendered  to  the  Kinge's  use. 

April  6.     K.  James  did  enter  Berwicke,  and  tooke  possession  therof. 

April  8.  His  Ma'''  did  depart  from  Berwicke,  and  entered  the 
realme  of  Englande. 

April  10.  His  Ma*y  came  to  Nuecastel,  before  whom  the  Bishop  of 
Durham  preached. 

April  13.  He  came  to  Durham:  and  was  entertayned  by  the 
Byshop. 

April  16.     His  Ma*^  came  to  the  Cyttye  of  Yorke. 

April  17.  He  went  on  foote  from  his  lodging  to  the  Minster  to 
heare  a  Sermon  w'^''  the  Byshop  of  Lymrick  preached. 

1  It  ■will  be  perceived  that  while  many  of  these  memoranda  relate  to  incidents  which 
occurred  at  the  moment  when  the  record  was  made,  many  others  of  them  give  the 
dates  of  events  long  past,  and  were  probably  transcribed  from  a  previous  diary. 

55 


434  APPENDIX. 

April  25.  As  he  rode  backe  from  Burleigh  to  Sir  I.  Harring.^ 
His  Ma*^^'  horse  fel  w*  him,  and  very  dangerously  bruysed  his  arme. 

April  27.     His  Ma*^  dyned  at  S''  Anth.  Mildemayes. 

May  3.  Being  Tuesday  his  Ma*^  came  to  Theobaldes,  S'  Rob.  Ci- 
cills  house,  wher  met  him  the  L.  Keeper,  y*  L.  Treasorer,  y®  L.  Admy- 
ral  and  most  of  y*  Nobility. 

May  7.  Being  Satterday  his  Ma*^  removed  from  Theobalds  to- 
wardes  London. 

May  11.  Being  "Wednesday  his  Ma*^  went  from  the  Charter  house 
to  the  Tower  of  London. 

May  13.  Being  Fryday  he  created  w*''in  y^  Tower  S''  Robert  Cicil, 
S'  Rob.  Sydney,  S'  W"  Knowles,  &  S*"  John  Wootten,  Barons.  The  14 
nue  Serj  antes  tooke  their  othe  at  Westminster  this  terme :  and  kept  y" 
feast  in  the  nue  Hal  of  y®  middle  Temple. 

August  8.  S'  George  Harvy  Lieuten*  of  y"  Tower  died,  1605,  set. 
72. 

Sept.  4.  Robert  Dudley,  Erie  of  Leicester,  died  1588,  at  Cornbury 
in  Oxfordshire,  Eliz  30. 

Sept.  10.  Ostende  was  delivered  by  Composition  unto  y*  Duke  of 
Burgoigne.  1604. 

The  3  of  Octobre  1605.  S'  Edwarde  Lewkenor  of  Denham  in 
Suff.  Knight,  died  of  the  smalpocks.  Vir  bonus  et  doctusfuit  et  patrice 
amans.     The  lady  his  wife  died  two  dayes  before  him. 

Oct.  17.     S'  Philip  Sydney  died,  1586. 

Oct.  31.     George  Erie  of  Cumberlande  died,  1605. 

Dec.  1.       My  nephew  Th.  Mildmay  died,  1602. 

Dec.  4.      Dr.  Whytaker  died  at  Cambridge,  1595. 

Dec.  12.    John  Hanham  died,  1599. 

From  a  copy  of  Hopton^s  Almanac  for  1614.^ 

On  Nue  yeares  day  the  Lady  Elizabeth,  the  County  Palatines  wyfe, 
was  safely  delivered  of  a  Soonne,  at  Heydelberg  in  Germany. 

Jan.  12.  This  day  my  sonne  John  was  b.  1587.  26  yeres 
since. 

Feb.   6.      W"*  Mildemay  my  nephew  died. 

^  Sir  John  Harrington,  soon  after  created  Baron  of  Exton. 

2  Adam  states,  on  the  titlepage  of  this  almanac,  that  it  was  the  last  prepared  by 
"Arthur  Hopton,  Gent.,"  and  that  he  died  the  same  year;  adding  these  lines:  — 
"  Hope  not  to  have  Hopton  againe  to  write ; 
For  deathe  hathe  fett  away  his  learned  sprite." 


ALMAJSTACS   OF  ADAM  WINTHROP.  435 

Feb.  24.     Tho.  Lappage  died  of  th'  age  of  82  y. 

Feb.  27.     ^Y^  Alibastei-  my  nephew  was  borne  1567.  46  y.  since. 

Diim  flier  it  Romce,  romanam  colluit  papam  : 

Sed  patricB  rediens,  renuit  ilk  papam. 

April!  6.     A  general  erthquake.  1580.  34  y.  since. 

April  19,  1614.  S'  Rob*  Jermyn  died  —  vir  pius,  et  verce  religionis 
amans. 

April  26.     D'  Feme  died  suddenly,  1589,  23  y.  since. 

Qui  Christum  duro  tempore  liquit  ameyis. 

May  31.     Sir  Wa :  Mildmay  died.  1589.  25  y.  since. 

Vir  bo7ius  et  pnidens,  nulli  pietate  secundus. 

June  9.     D""  Goldingham  died.  1589.  25  y.  since. 

Qui  mihi  dum  vixit  charus  amicus  erat. 

June  the  1 6*''  day  the  Erie  of  Northampton  died. 

Tempora  dura  Deus,  tempora  Iceta  dedit. 

July  29.     Francys  Mildmay  my  neece  was  borne.  1591.  23.  y.  since. 

June.  30.     S'  Tho  :  Eden  the  elder  died. 

Aug  10.  Ego  A.  W.  natus  fui  1548.  63  y.  since.  Anno  2  R.  Edw. 
VI.     Mors  mihi  grata  foret,  jamq :  satis  vixi. 

Aug.  26.     S'  W""  Waldegrave,  th'  elder  died.  1613. 

Vir  patrice  charus,  sed  pietatis  inops. 

Sept.  4.     The  Erie  of  Leicester  died.  1588.  27  yeres  since. 

Mors  inopina  venit,  clausit  avaro  sinu. 

Sept.  9.      Mr.  St.  Pine  died. 

Sept.  16.     Mr.  Knewstub  &  Mr.  Egerton  did  lye  at  Groton. 

Sept.  21.     Mr.  Jo.  Marceline  died. 

Oct.    15.     Nath.  Stil  was  borne.  1579.  35  y.  since. 

Ad  sacrii  fontem  sponsor  ^  testis  eram. 

Oct.  29.     The  Lady  Mountague  died. 

Vtdnere  quam  suhito  mors  inopina  tidit. 

This  Lady  was  borne  at  little  Waldingfielde  in  SufF.  and  first  maried 
to  S'  Leonarde  Holyday,  Knight,  who  had  bin  L.  Maior  of  London,  and 
after  his  death  to  S'  Henry  Mountague  the  Kings  Ma"''  Serjant  at  the 
Lawe. 

Nov.  22,     Thomas  Garrarde  died  at  Cambr. 

Nov.  25.     S'  "W™  Waldegrave  y*  yonger  died, 

Nov.  27,     S'  Tho.  Gresham  died  suddenly,  1579.  35  y.  since. 

Dives  in  hoc  mundo,  qui  deo  pauper  erat. 

Dec.  12.  Tho:  Sutton  the  founder  of  the  Hospital  died  1611,  9 
Jac.  R. 


436  APPENDIX. 

Foenore,  pergrandes  accumulavit  opes. 

Dec.  30.     Forthe  Winthrop  was  borne  1609. 

From  a  copy  of  Bretnor's  Almanac  for  1617. 

1616  Jan.  12.     This  day  J.  W.  the  elder  is  29  yeares  olde. 

Feb.  20.     My  son's  first  fit  of  his  ague. 

April  13.    John  Cooke  died. 

1617.  April  22.  Tho :  Doget  was  maried  to  Mar.  Clopton,  Mr.  B* 
p'ched. 

May  5.     James  Death  died. 

May  9.  S"  Fra :  Bacon  L.  Keeper,  came  to  Westminster-Hall  with 
a  great  Company  of  noble  men  &  others,  to  take  his  place  in  the 
Chancery. 

May  14.  Sergant  Hutton  was  sworne  one  of  y"  Justices  of  the 
Coinon  Plees. 

June  4.     A  Court  was  kept  at  Groton  Hall  in  the  afternoone. 

June  7.     Sente  y^  wid"  Canon  5^ 

June  10.  Mr.  Sands  was  maried  at  Brettenham.  Mr.  Munnynge 
preached. 

June  18.      John  Jannynge  died. 

August  9.     Mr.  W.  Clopton  died  1616. 

August  12.   M"^  Bronde  th'  elder  died,  64  y. 

Sepf    1.      John  Plombe  beinge  sicke,  made  his  testament. 

Sepf   9.       Th.  Gostlin  maried  the  wid  :  Blomfielde. 

Sepf  11.      Mr.  Egerton  &  Mr.  'Knewstvib  pernoctahant  nohiscum. 

Sepf  17.      My  son  first  rid  to  Maplested. 

Ocf   4.         Hall  the  phisition  died. 

Oct"  18.      Judith  Spenser  died  at  Colchester  22  y.  olde. 

Ocf  27.      My  son  rode  to  London. 

Ocf  29.  My  Cosin  MuSinges  eldest  daughter  was  maried  to 
George  Salter. 

Nov'  18.       S'  Hen.  Mild :  &  his  lady  came  to  Groton. 

Nov'  25.      My  son  returned  from  London. 

Dec'  12.       Mr.  Rich.  Bromel  died. 

Dec'  13.  M"'  Judith  Gurdon  died  at  S'  Henry  Mildma/s  in 
Essex. 

Memorandum,  to  wright  to  S'  Henry  Mildemay  by  the  goodman 
Warde  that  my  Cosen  Hamonde  who  maried  the  widowe  Bronde 
came  to  Groton  to  talke  w'^  me  about  her  buysines  6  Apr.  1618. 


ALMANACS    OF  ADAM   WINTHROP.  437 

On  Fryday  the  24*  of  Aprill  1618.  [My]  sonnes  [third]  wife  came 
first  to  Groton.  She  was  maried  to  him  the  [fom]  day  of  the  same 
moneth  at  Greate  [Map]lested  in  Essex.     Auo  1618. 

From  a  copy  of  AUestree's  Almanache  for  1620.^ 

1619.  Jan.  6.  My  Cosin  Henry  Mildmay  was  baptised  being  12 
daies  olde.     The  same  day  Mr.  Chaplin  preached  at  Boxforde. 

Jan.  22.     Thomas  Alston  of  Giddy  Hall  died. 

1620.  Jan.  23.     S'  John  Crooke  died. 

Jan.  24:     JVIr.  Tindal  &  his  wife  came  to  Groton. 

Feb.    2.     Jo.  Potter  the  Attorney  died  in  London. 

March  8.  The  Assises  at  Bury,  INIr.  Muiiinge  preached  before  the 
Juges. 

March  15.    S"'  Jo.  Deane  &  my  lady  dined  w""  us. 

March  25.    The  year  1620  beginneth. 

Aprill  17.    Mr.  Rogers  of  Dedham  preached  at  Carsey. 

May  9.  Mr.  Birde  preached  at  B.  &  M"^  Bacon  came  to  Gro- 
ton. 

June  18.  Mr.  Smyth  of  y'  K.  CoUedge  preached  in  Groton.  My 
Cosen  Jeremy  Raven  preached  at  Boxforde  on  Sonday  in  the  after- 
noone.     18  Junij  1620.     Psal.  136.  v.  15. 

August  20.  Mr.  Daniel  Rogers  preached  at  Groton,  &  my  cosen 
Jer.  Raven  in  y^  aftembone. 

26.     S'  Tho  Savage  sent  halfe  a  bucke. 

Sept.  10.     Goodman  Bemont  died. 

Sept.  12.     Mr  Chamber  preached  at  his  burial. 

Sept.  16.     My  cosen  Tho:  Alibaster  died  in  Assington. 

Oct     28.     Mr.  Sands  began  to  pr.  upon  Jonah. 

Nov.  10.     Smith  sent  a  hare,  &  Hare  brought  fowre  pikerels. 

Dec.     9.     This  daye  Mr.  Grice  preched  at  Boxforde  ex  im,p''viso. 

Dec.  11.  S'  Rob:  Crane  &  Mr.  Churcne  were  chosen  Knights  for 
the  Shire. 

Dec.  24.     Mr.  W™  Gurdon  died  at  Cambridge. 

1  This  almanac,  which  was  prepared  for  Adam's  grandson,  as  described  on  p.  40  of 
this  volume,  is  mainly  taken  up  with  a  statement  of  the  successive  preachers  at 
Groton,  Edwardston,  and  Boxford,  during  the  year  1620.  Of  these  preachers,  no  less 
than  thirty-three  names  are  given ;  viz.,  Chaplin,  Sherman,  Quirles,  Butler,  Nicholson, 
Birde,  Hankin,  Gartwright,  Bromel,  Layfield,  Munning,  Vertue,  Pilgrime,  Webster, 
"Wilmot,  Harrison,  Carter,  Rogers,  "Watts,  Raven,  Hawes,  Dove,  Parson,  Sands,  Tayler, 
Smyth,  Salter,  Chamber,  Sterne,  Stansby,  Paine,  Grice,  and  Wythriel.  A  goodly 
variety,  certainly,  for  a  single  year! 


438  APPENDIX. 

From  a  copy  of  Allestree^s  Almanac  for  1621.^ 

Jany  4.      The  Thursday  sermon  ceased  at  Boxf. 

12.     Mr.    Gurdon  fel  out  of  his  coache  in  Boxforde  Street. 

Feb.  10.     G.  Winterfloud  sen'  died. 

Feb.  11.     John  Baker  of  Edw.  died. 

Feb.  17.    John  Wallis  died. 

Feb  19.      2  Sunnes  scene  betweene  3  &  4  in  the  afternoone. 

March  1.  We  dined  at  Goodman  Coles. 

March  5.  M"°  Clopton  &  Eliz.  her  daugh :  dined  w""  us. 

March  15.  The  assises  at  Burye,  where  Porter  a  minister  was 
condemned  for  Sodomie. 

The  Kings  Ma*^  wrote  a  most  gracious  letter  to  y"  Justice  of  this 
assise  in  the  behalfe  of  Mr.  Faweather  for  the  punishinge  of  his  false 
accusers. 

April  11.     S'.  Ro  :  Crane  came  to  Groton. 

April  16.     The  Q*"'  sessions  at  Bury.     J.  W.  abijt. 

April  25.     The  Widow  Carter  died. 

April  28.     Mr.  Brag  of  Stratf.  dined  w*  us. 

May  4.        My  son  rode  to  London,     harbam  scidi. 

May  24.      S"'  Hen :  Mildemay  &  his  Lady  dined  here. 

June  6.       My  son  &  his  wife  rode  to  Shrublande  hall. 

June  11.     Mr.  Bachelour  the  preacher  dined  with  us. 

June  21.      My  son  &  his  wife  went  to  Stambrige  in  Essex. 

July  18.      The  assises  at  Burye.     J.  W.  redijt. 

July  31.      Sir  John  Deane  sent  us  venison. 

August  16.     They  of  Castleins  dined  here. 

August  21.     Jo  :  Miller  &  Susan  Rawlin  were  mar. 

August  22.     Mr.  Tindal  sent  a  hanche  of  venison. 

August  28.     My  son  Fones  was  married  at  London. 

Sept.  2.     There  was  seene  in  y®  skie  a  fearful  sight. 

:? 

1  At  the  foot  of  the  titlepage  of  this  Ahnanac,  Adam  pays  a  tribute  to  the  author  in 
the  following  verses :  — 

"  Astrologos  inter  si  quisjam  laude  meretur, 
AUestre  est  certe,  velputo  nullus  erat." 
The  author  himself  concludes  his  "Kules  concerning  Physicall  Elections,"  at  the 
close  of  his  prognogtications,  with  the  following  prescription  in  Latin  (with  an  English 
translation),  which  may  have  been  supposed  to  be  of  more  recent  origin:  — 
"  Si  tibi  dejiciunt  medici,  medici  tibijiant, 
HcBC  tria,  mens  Imta,  requies,  moderata  dieta : 
Use  three  Physicians'  skill :  first,  Doctor  Quiet ; 
Next,  Doctor  Meriman,  and  Doctor  Diet." 


ALMANACS    OF   ADAM   ^VTNTHEOP.  439 


« 


Sept.  18.  My  nevieu  Carew  Mildmay  was  beer. 

Sept.  30.  M'.  Dan :  Rogers  preached  at  y*.  communion. 

Oct.    6.     Thomas  Gale  died  of  y^  smale  pockes. 

Oct.  30.     W"  Ponde  was  married  to  the  widow  Havens. 

Nov.  12.  My  sonnes  nurse,  being  76  yeres  olde,  came  to  Groton 
unto  him. 

Nov.  15.  Brampton  Gui'don  the  third  soonne  of  Mr.  Br.  Gurdon 
died  at  London. 

Nov.  18.  Benjamin  Bronde  the  brother  of  S'  John  Bronde  died  of 
y*  smale  pockes. 

Nov.  26.     Rafe  Aggar  the  creple  died. 

Nov.  29.     John  Bluet  &  Joane  Kinge  were  married. 

Dec.  5.       I  dreamed  y'  Carew  IMildmay  was  dead. 

Dec.  13.  Mr.  Powle  charged  a  chimney  sweeper  w*''  steahng  of  a 
silver  cup. 

Dec.  21.  Catharine  y^  first  daughter  of  Mr.  W"  Clopton  was 
borne  in  Linsey. 


Many  more  Memoranda  might  have  been  gleaned  both  from  the  Diary  and  from 
the  Aknanacs  of  Adam  Winthrop.  Those  have  been  selected  which  seemed  most  cha- 
racteristic of  the  writer  and  his  times,  or  which  appeared  to  have  any  thing  of  local, 
personal,  or  historical  interest.  We  could  hardly  have  hoped  to  satisfy  the  genuine 
antiquary  without  giving  the  whole ;  but  this  would  have  occupied  too  much  of  our 
volume.  For  the  general  reader,  we  have  more  fear  of  having  given  too  many  than  too 
few. 


^Kt-mmxltB. 


^c\)a     \w^^J/^ 


ycnn-  (i^^yreJ J^dc  cAfUi^rL  'Vbm  i/U-ojo 
yo^yvxr  ioriAA^   JJhorf/v 


1  Autograph  of  Adam  Winthrop,  the  grandfather  of  Governor  Winthrop  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, Master  of  the  Clothworkers'  Company  in  1551 ;  kindly  furnished  me  from  the 
Records  of  the  Company  for  the  year  1546,  by  Mr.  John  Calver,  late  of  Clothworkers' 
Hall. 

2  Autograph  of  the  Governor's  father. 

3  Autograph  of  the  Governor's  mother. 


II. 


Jfar-srmiles, 


c^  ^/f^  €  /  n'TT.^ 


J/^lL^.i^lS, 


^^^^^^^ :  ^^^^«^^;^ 


1  Aiitogi-aph  of  Gov.  Winthrop  of  Massachusetts  at  thirty  years  of  age,  —  the  earliest 
signature  found  among  his  papers,  — with  his  seal,  bearing  the  family  arms. 

2  Autograph  of  the  Governor  at  forty-one  years  of  age,  with  the  seal  bearing  the 
Dove  of  promise,  which  he  seems  to  have  used  habitually  after  he  had  resolved  to 
embark  for  New  England. 

8  From  an  official  signature  of  Governor  Winthrop  in  New  England,  in  1639. 
4  Autograph  of  IMargaret  (Tyndal)  Winthrop,  the  Governor's  third  wife,  with  her 
seal,  showing  the  garh  or  wheat-sheaf  of  the  Tyndal  arms. 


Jfac-simiks, 


III. 


1  The  signature  of  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  afterwards  Governor  of  Connecticut, — the 
eldest  son  of  the  Governor  of  Massachusetts, — with  his  seal,  bearing  the  arms  of  Win- 
throp quartered  with  Forth. 

2  The  autograph  of  Forth  Wintlirop,  third  son  of  the  Governor  of  Massachusetts, 
while  a  student  at  Cambridge  University,  with  the  seal  used  by  him  there. 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


Admission  of  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  to  the 
Inner  Temple,  203. 

Alabaster,  Dr.  William,  16. 

Alabaster,  Roger,  16,  47. 

Alabaster,  Thomas,  47. 

Allen,  Major  John,  15. 

Allibone :  his  Dictionary  of  Authors,  61. 

Almack,  Richard,  F.S.A.,  5,  208. 

Alston,  Peter,  death  of,  253. 

Altham,  Edward,  Sheriff  of  London,  14. 

Altham,  Sir  James,  Baron  of  the  Exche- 
quer, 14. 

Altham,  Richard,  son  of  Sir  James  Al- 
tham, 14. 

Ames,  William,  author  of  Medulla  Theo- 
logica,  34. 

Anecdote  respecting  the  negotiation  of 
John  Winthrop,  jun.,  for  the  Charter  of 
Connecticut,  27. 

Appleton,  John,  232,  319. 

Appleton,  Marv,  "wife  of  Robert  Ryece, 
319. 

Archisden,  or  Arkesden,  Thomas,  229,  231, 
256. 

Assassination  of  Sir  John  T^-ndal  by 
Bertram,  123,  124. 

Assington,  village  of,  1.  Parish  of,  152. 
Residence  of  the  Gordons,  391. 

Atkins,  Robert,  245. 

Autograph  manuscript  of  John  Winthrop, 
63-122,  145-149,  278,  283,  304. 


B. 

Babergh,  Old  Hundred  of,  1. 

Bacon,  Sir  Francis,  123,  124. 

Bagdat,  siege  of,  267. 

Bancroft,  George,  sketch  of  life  and  cha- 
racter of  John  Winthrop  by,  400. 

Bandon,  family  of,  descended  from  Wil- 
liam Winthrop,  16. 

Barefoote,  Walter,  Deputy-Governor  of 
Xew  York,  194. 

Barfoote,  Dr.  John,  194. 

Barnardiston,  Thomas,  50. 

Barnardiston,  Sir  Nathaniel,  223,  259,  287, 
393,  396. 

Barrington,  Sir  Francis,  imprisoned  for 
resisting  the  forced  loan,  211,  287. 


Belknap's  American  Biography,  6. 

Bertram,  assassination  of  Sir  John  Tyn- 
dal  by,  123,  124. 

Best,  Capt,  237,  249,  258.  Letter  to,  from 
Lord  Hervey,  238. 

Beza,  Theodore,  319, 

Blackheathfield,  battle  of,  13. 

Blomfield,  Bishop  of  London,  170. 

Bluet,  John,  steward  of  Groton  Manor, 
291. 

Bohemia,  King  of,  287. 

Bowditch,  Nathaniel  I.,  suggestion  of, 
relative  to  the  signification  of  "  Win- 
throp," 11. 

Bowen,  John,  letter  from,  to  John  Win- 
throp, 215. 

Boxford,  village  of,  1,  148. 

Boxsted,  parish  of,  102. 

Bradstreet,  Governor  Simon,  50 

Bramston,  Sir  John,  29. 

Branch,  Aunt,  213,  258. 

Branch,  Elizabeth,  213. 

Branch,  Reynold,  213. 

Brent,  John,  petition  in  case  of,  219. 

Browne,  Agnes,  wife  of  Henry  Browne, 
48. 

Browne,  Anne,  daughter  of  Henry 
Bro^vne,  47. 

Browne,  Henrj',  4,  26,  47,  48. 

Browne,  John,  347. 

Browne,  Samuel,  347. 

Buckingham,  Duke  of,  184,  235,  238,  240, 
265. 

Burd,  Richard,  20. 

Burgis,  Priscilla,  second  wife  of  Thomas 
Fones,  165. 

Burgis,  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  165. 

Burnel,  Lord,  14. 

Burton,  Joane  (or  Jane),  wife  of  Adam 
Winthrop,  14. 

Butler,  James,  2. 


c. 


Camden,  Britannia  of,  2. 

Campbell,  Lord,  Life  of  Sir  Edward  Coke 

by,  54. 
Canterbury,  Prerogative  Court  of,  20. 
Carver,  Eliza,  258. 
Carver,  John,  253. 
Castleins,  seat  of  the  Cloptons,  391. 
Caulkins,  Miss,  the  historian,  27. 


446 


INDEX. 


Cecil,  Sir  Eobert,  Earl  of  Salisbury,  36. 

Charles  I.,  18,  27.  Original  Massachu- 
setts charter  signed  by,  349. 

Charles  II.,  miniature  of,  given  to  John 
Winthrop,  jun.,  by,  27. 

Charter,  original  Massachusetts,  signed  by 
Charles  I.,  349. 

Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  Young's,  336. 

Clopton,  Arthur,  brother-in-law  of  John 
Winthrop,  162. 

Clopton,  Bridget,  wife  of  John  Sampson, 
85. 

Clopton,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  George  Cook, 
84. 

Clopton,  Margery,  wife  of  Thomas  Dog- 
get,  84. 

Clopton,  Mary,  wife  of  George  Jenny,  84, 
229. 

Clopton,  Thomasine,  daughter  of  William 
Clopton,  75.  Second  wife  of  John  Win- 
throp, 79-89. 

Clothworkers'  Company,  17. 

Coke,  Lord,  account  of  the  Court  of  Wards 
and  Liveries  by,  216. 

Coke,  Sir  Edward,  Life  of,  by  Lord  Camp- 
bell, 54. 

Cole,  Joseph,  261. 

Collections,  Massachusetts  Historical,  30, 
212,  264,  304,  330,  367,  380. 

Cook,  George,  84. 

Cooper,  J.  Fennimore,  27. 

Constantinople,  destructive  fire  at,  267. 

Cotton,  John,  55,  379. 

Court  of  Wards  and  Liveries,  account  of, 
by  Lord  Coke,  216, 

Com-t  of  Wards,  John  Winthrop  appointed 
attorney  in,  215. 

Cradock,  Matthew,  318.  Proposition  by, 
to  transfer  the  government  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Company  to  "  those  that  shall 
inhabit  there,"  342. 

Crane,  Francis,  232. 

Crane,  Sir  Robert,  232. 

Cranworth,  Lord  Chancellor  of  England, 
170. 

Crassus,  the  British,  2. 

Crow,  Sir  Sackfeild,  245. 

Culver^vell,  Rev.  Ezekiel,  60,  61,  141-143. 
Letters  from,  to  John  Winthrop,  142, 
143. 

Culverwell,  Nathaniel,  M.A.,  61. 

Custom-house  officers  of  Old  England 
take  cognizance  of  the  movements  of 
John  Winthrop,  372. 

Cyril,  St.,  Archbishop  of  Jerusalem,  3. 


D. 

Deane,  Charles,  61. 

D'Ewes,  Sir  Simonds,  75,  139,  350. 

Diary  of  Adam  Winthrop,  32-41,  56,  58, 
59,  62   63,  149,  151. 

Digby,  Sir  Kenelm,  264. 

Dixon,  B.  Homer,  signification  of  "  Win- 
throp "  by,  10. 


Dogget,  Thomas,  84. 

Downing,  Emanuel,  50,  166,  186,  304, 
Letter  to,  from  Anne  Winthrop,  224. 
Letter  to,  from  John  Winthrop,  jun., 
271. 

Downing,  Sir  George,  50,  186,  215. 

Downing,  James,  son  of  Emanuel  Down- 
ing, 215. 

Downing,  Joshua,  letters  from,  to  John 
Winthrop,  236,  237. 

Dudley,  Thomas,  345,  348.  Cited  in 
proof  of  the  importance  attached  to  the 
association  of  Winthrop  with  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Company,  351. 

Dudley,  Rev.  Samuel,  63,  199. 

Due  Repulse,  —  one  of  the  chief  vessels 
of  the  fleet  for  the  expedition  to  the  Isle 
of  Rh6,  238,  239,  245. 

Dutch,  the,  take  a  valuable  prize,  287. 
Take  Wesel,  307. 


E. 


Early  marriage  of  John  Winthrop  the 
cause  of  his  failure  to  obtain  a  degree, 
59. 

Edward  I.,  125. 

Edward  VI.,  18. 

Edwardston,  village  of,  1,  2,  4,  52,  391. 

Egerton,  Anne,  wife  of  Sir  John  Tyndal, 
126. 

Eliot,  Sir  John,  speech  of,  against  tyran- 
nical measures  of  the  Grown,  261. 

Elizabeth,  Queen,  founds  a  free  grammar- 
school,  2. 

Endicott,  John,  Governor  of  Plantation 
at  Salem,  347,  348. 

Endowment  of  New-England  Cambridge 
University  by  John  Harvard,  55. 

England,  wool-trade  of,  protected  by  se- 
vere restrictions,  18. 

Esrom,  the  taking-in  of,  by  the  Grand 
Seignior,  267. 

Essex,  Earls  of,  2. 

Estimation  in  which  John  Winthrop  was 
held  by  the  Massachusetts  colonists, 
349. 

Tribute  to  the  character  of  Thomasine 
Clopton,  88,  89. 


F. 

Featherstone,  250,  252. 

Felton,  assassination  of  the  Duke  of 
Buckingham  by,  265. 

First  appearance  of  the  name  of  John 
Winthrop  on  the  Records  of  the  Gov- 
ernor and  Company  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay  in  New  England,  347. 

Fletcher,  Dr.  Deane  of  Peterborowe,  43. 

Fones,  Mary,  338. 

Tones,  Priscilla,  letter  to,  from  John  Win- 
throp, 287.  Letters  from,  to  John  Win- 
throp, 359-361. 


INDEX. 


447 


Fones,  Thomas,  recovery  of,  from  a  long 
illness,  165.  Letter  to,  from  John  Win- 
throp,  165.     Death  of,  289. 

Forman,  Peter,  rector  at  Groton,  26. 

Forth,  Elizabeth,  208. 

Forth,  John,  connected  with  many  dis- 
tinj^uished  families,  60.  Reference  to 
will  of,  74. 

Forth,  Mary,  early  marriage  of,  with  John 
Wintlirop  |)reniaturely  closes  his  college- 
life,  59.     Testinionv  to  character  of,  67. 

Forth,  Robert,  High-Sherift'  of  Suffolk 
County,  60. 

Foule,  Thomas,  253. 

Fox,  Acts  and  Monuments  of,  13,  48. 

Freeman,  John,  letters  to,  from  John  Win- 
throp,  jun.,  269,  272,  273.  Letter  from, 
to  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  270. 

Fuller,  description  of  Dr.  William  Alaba- 
ster in  Worthies  of,  16, 


G. 


Gager,  William,  deacon  of  First  Church 
at  Charlestown,  353.  Letter  to,  from 
John  Winthrop,  355. 

Gatehouse,  Sir  John  Eliot  confined  in, 
262. 

General  Conclusions  by  John  Winthrop 
regarding  the  Plantation  in  New  Eng- 
land, 326. 

Gibson  cited  respecting  the  signification  of 
"  Winthrop,"  10. 

Giffbrd :  his  Alemoirs  of  Ben  Jonson,  54. 

Godwyn  of  Cornwall,  pedigree  of  the 
Forths  traced  back  to,  60. 

Gofte,  Thomas,  a  General  Court  for  the 
Company  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in 
New  England  held  at  the  house  of,  342. 

Gostlin,  Samuel,  181. 

Gough,  "Camden"  of,  2. 

Groton  Manor,  4,  19,  26,  53,  141,  154. 
Granted  to  Adam  Winthrop,  18.  Trans- 
lation of  instrument  of  conveyance  of, 
19.  Parish  register  of,  4,  28,  63.  Vil- 
lage of,  1-3,  7,  11,  52,  62. 

Gurdon,  Amy,  wife  of  Sir  Henry  Mild- 
may,  29. 

Gurdon,  Brampton,  High-Sheriff  of  Suf- 
folk County,  IS,  19.  Letter  from,  to 
John  Winthrop,  220. 


H. 

Hadleigh,  town  of,  1,  47,  60. 

Har\'ard,  John,  endowment  of  New-Eng- 
land Cambridge  University  by,  55. 

Harvev,  Sir  Gawin,  visit  of,  to  Adam 
Winthrop  (3),  38. 

Harvev,  Sir  George,  High-Shreve  of  Es- 
sex, 38. 

Henry  VIL,  abuses  of  Empson  and  Dud- 
ley in  the  reign  of,  216. 


Henry  VIH.,  19.  Court  of  Wards  and 
Liveries  established  by,  216. 

Herbert,  Lord  Edward,  account  of  the  ex- 
pedition to  the  Isle  of  Kh6  by,  245. 

Hertogenbosch  beleaguered  by  Henry, 
Prince  of  Orange,  276. 

Hervey,  Lord  Arthur,  Archdeacon  of  Sud- 
bury, 170. 

Hervey,  Rear-Admiral,  letter  to,  from 
Capt.  Best,  238. 

Hilles,  Joane,  wife  of  Adam  Winthrop,  16. 

History  of  Connecticut,  HoUister's,  27. 

History  of  Essex  County,  Morant's,  125, 
126,  160. 

History  of  Massachusetts,  Hutchinson's,  58. 

History  of  New  England,  Dr.  Palfrey's, 
400. 

Histoiy  of  New  England,  Winthrop's,  6, 
157,  349,  353,  381. 

History  of  the  United  States,  Bancroft's, 
400. 

Hobson,  name  of,  immortalized  by  epi- 
taphs and  proverb,  229. 

Hollister,  History  of  Connecticut  by,  27. 

Homer,  Rev.  Dr.,  the  old  Bible  of  Adam 
Winthrop  given  to,  by  Hon.  William 
Winthrop,  53. 

Howell,  Familiar  Letters  of,  14. 

Howes,  Edward,  20. 

Howlet,  Thomas,  the  living  ,at  Groton 
presented  to,  by  John  Winthrop,  26. 

Hunter,  Rev.  Joseph,  communication  to 
the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  by, 
28,  212. 

Humfrey,  John,  signature  of,  to  the 
Agreement  at  Cambridge,  345.  Elec- 
tion of,  as  Deputy-Governor  of  the 
New-England  Company,  348. 

Hutchinson,  History  of  Massachusetts  by, 
58.  Seems  to  ascribe  the  authorship 
of  General  Considerations  for  the  Plan- 
tation of  New  England,  with  an  Answer 
to  several  Objections,  to  Francis  Hig- 
ginson,  317. 


I. 


Importance  attached  to  the  association  of 
John  Winthrop  with  the  Massachusetts 
Company,  351. 

Influence  of  John  Winthrop  upon  the  rise 
and  progress  of  American  institutions, 
400. 

Inner  Temple,  admission  of  John  Win- 
throp, jun.,  to,  203. 

Inscription  on  the  Winthrop  Tomb,  4. 


James  I.,  incorporation  of,  into  the  cloth- 
workers,  17.     "  Progresses  "  of,  37. 
Jenny,  George,  84,  229. 
Johnson,  Dr.,  citation  of,  from  Gibson,  10, 


448 


INDEX. 


Johnson,  Isaac,  304,  318,  348,  399. 
Johnson,  Lady  Arbella,  interview  of,  with 
John  Wintlirop,  304. 


K. 


King,  the  French,  arrival  of,  into  Italy, 
272.  Great  expectations  as  to  the  re- 
sult of  his  actions,  273. 

Knight,  testimony  of,  to  the  influence  of 
clothiers  of  Suffolk  in  resisting  oppres- 
sive taxation,  15. 

L. 

Lamharde,  William,  A  Perambulation  of 

Kent  written  by,  41. 
Lambe,  William,  erects  a  free  school,  42. 
Lanham,  or  Lavenham,  earliest  residence 

of  the  Winthrops,  13.     Commencement 

of  Parish  Eegister  of,  13.     Chmxh  of, 

13. 
Lawi'ences,  birthplaces  of  the,  3. 
Ledyard,  death  of,  3. 
Leigh,   Eev.  William,  curate   of  Groton 

Church,  212. 
Lincolnshire,  11. 
Livermore,  George,  31,  53. 
Lusignan,  family  of,  2. 

M. 

Maplesden,  Capt.,  263. 

Maplested,  123.  Wedding  of  John  Win- 
tlirop at,  140.  Proposal  of  John  Win- 
throp  to  meet  his  wife  at,  164.  Journey 
of  Margaret  Winthrop  to,  400. 

Marriage  ceremony  of  John  Winthrop 
performed  by  Mr.  Culverwell,  59. 

Marriage  feast  of  John  Winthrop  at  Great 
iStambridge,  59. 

Marribone  or  Marylebone  Park  owned  by 
the  Winthrops,  11. 

Marshall,  William,  Earl  of  Pembroke,  2. 

Massachusetts  -  Bay  Company,  General 
Court  of,  342.  Proposition  for  change 
in  government  of,  342.  Their  know- 
ledge of  the  importance  of  the  propo- 
sition, 343.  The  agreement  of,  344. 
Appointment  of  committees  by,  to  pre- 
pare arguments  for  and  against  settling 
the  chief  government  in  New  England, 
346.  Decision  of,  entered  on  the  re- 
cords, 347.     Kecords  of,  cited,  348. 

Masson,  Professor,  5,  171,  230,  396. 

Mather,  Cotton,  Magnalia  of,  6,  12,  58. 
Cited  respecting  early  history  of  the 
Winthrops,  11."  Fimeral  discourses  of, 
12.  Tradition  of,  concerning  Philpot, 
18.  Family  traditions  of  the  Win- 
throps perpetuated  by,  25.  Anecdote 
connected  with  Winthrop' s  mission  to 
England  for  obtaining  the  Charter  of 
Connecticut,  27.     Story  of,  that  John 


Winthrop  was  made  justice  of  the  peace 

at  eighteen  years  of  age,  223. 
Mather,  Increase,  father  of  Cotton  Mather, 

12. 
Mather,  Eichard,  grandfather  of  Cotton 

Mather,  12. 
Meriton,  Eev.  George,  Dean  of  York,  32. 
Mildmay,  Amy,  letters   from,   to  Adam 

Winthrop,  44,  45,  144.    Letters  to,  from 

Adam  Winthrop,  45,  46. 
Mildmay,  Lady,  lines   addressed  to,  by 

Adam  Winthrop,  29. 
Mildmay,  Lady  Alice,  20,  28. 
Mildmay,  Sir  Henry,  Sheriff  of  Essex,  287. 
Mildmay,  Sk  Thomas,  16,  20,  37.    Present 

at  marriage  feast  of  John  Winthrop,  69. 
Mildmay,  William,  20. 
Misgivings  as  to  his  religious   condition 

entertained  by  John  Winthrop,  76. 
Montchensy,  Lords  of,  2.     Warin  de,  2. 
Moore,  Jacob  B.,  6. 
Morant:    his   History  of  Essex  County, 

125,  126,  160. 
Morton,    Nathaniel,    extract    from    New 

England's  Memorial  of,  352. 
Mott,  Mr.,  336. 


N. 


Naunton,  Sir  Eobert,  Master  of  the  Court 
of  Wards,  199,  217.  Letter  from,  to 
Countess  of  Nottingham,  218. 

Newark,  11. 

Nichols :  his  Historical  Anecdotes  of  the 
Eighteenth  Century,  125. 

Northumberland,  11. 

Nottingham,  Countess  of,  letter  to  the, 
from  Sir  Eobert  Naunton,  218. 

Nottinghamshire,  11. 

Nutton,  Susannah,  179. 


0. 


Original  draughts  of  bills  by  John  Win- 
throp, to  be  introduced  into  Parliament, 
221-223. 

Overall,  Bishop  of  Norwich,  death  of,  37. 


Painter,  Eev.  Henry,  suitor  for  the  hand 

of  Priscilla  Fones,  357-361. 
Palfrey,  Dr.,  History  of  New  England  by, 

400. 
Papers  from  New  England  sent  home  by 

John  Winthrop,  337. 
Parting  between  John  Winthrop  and  his 

wife  compared  with  that  of  Imogen  and 

Posthumus,  378. 
Peabody,  George,  the  American  banker, 

admitted  to  the  Company  of  Clothwork- 

ers,  17. 
Peacham,  Henry,  44. 
Pembroke,  Earl  of,  2. 


INDEX. 


449 


Pepys,  Sir  Samuel,  presentation  to  the 
Company  of  Clothworkers  of  the  "  lov- 
ing cup"  by,  17. 

Pergffius,  Apollonius,  Conic  Sections  of^ 
253. 

Perkins,  William,  death  of,  74. 

Petty,  J\li-.,  273. 

Philpot,  the  martyr,  12,  13,  18.  Arch- 
deacon of  Winchester,  13.  Burned  at 
Smithfield,  13. 

Pierce,  William,  master  of  the  "Lion," 
388. 

Pitkin,  the  historian,  27. 

Polstead,  yillage  of,  1,  391. 

Ponder,  Roger,  Rector  of  Groton,  19. 

Popular  History  of  England,  Knight's,  15. 

Powell,  Capt.,  250,  285. 

Powis,  Lord,  245. 

Praed,  Winthrop  Mackworth,  16. 

Prescotts,  birthplaces  of  the,  3. 

Proposition  for  change  in  Government  of 
the  Massachusetts-Bay  Company,  342. 

Prise,  Mr.,  273. 

Pye,  Sir  Walter,  217. 


Q- 

Quarles,  Francis,  363. 


R. 


Randall,  Mr.,  285,  286. 

Reasons  for,  and  Objections  against,  un- 
dertaking the  Plantation  to  New  Eng- 
land, 309-317. 

Reformation,  spirit  of,  indicated  in  Adam 
Winthrop,  43. 

Rh^,  Isle  of,  expedition  to,  245. 

Richmond,  Duke  of,  183. 

Risby,  Elizabeth,  16. 

Risby,  Robert,  16. 

Rogers,  Jo.,  the  Doctrine  of  Faith  of,  208. 

Romilly,  Rev.  Joseph,  M.A.,  Registrar  of 
Cambridge  University,  54,  56. 

Rowe,  Sir  Thomas,  English  ambassador 
at  Constantinople,  268. 

Russell,  Lady  Rachel,  12. 

Russell,  Lord  William,  the  martyr,  12. 

Eyece,  Robert,  letters  from,  to  John  Win- 

■  throp,  319-325,  330.  Will  of,  to  be 
found  in  Appleton  Memorial,  319. 
Endeavors  to  dissuade  Winthrop  from 
the  New-England  enterprise,  330. 


s. 


Salem,  plantation  at,  347. 

Salstonstall,  Sir  Richard,  318,  348.  Name 
of,  stands  at  head  of  agreement  "  to 
inhabit  and  continue "  in  New  Eng- 
land, 328. 

Sampson,  John,  85,  391. 


57 


Sampson,  Robert,  391. 

Sands,  Rev.  Henry,  74,  82,  87,  100,  146, 
160,  162,  168.  Letter  from,  to  John 
Winthrop,  169.  Death  and  burial  of, 
207. 

Savage,  James,  Appendix  of,  to  Win- 
throp's  History  of  New  England,  6,  59, 
62,  157,  336. 

School,  Free  Grammar,  founded  by  Queen 
Elizabeth,  2.  By  William  Lambe,  42. 
By  Edward  VI.,  170. 

Sempringham,  visit  from  Winthrop  and 
Downing  to  Isaac  Johnson  at,  304. 

Sharpe,  Agnes,  wife  of  Adam  Winthrop, 
16. 

Sharpe,  Robert,  16. 

Sherman,  Ursula,  361. 

Skipworth,  Capt.,  instructions  prepared 
for,  by  authority  of  Duke  of  Bucking- 
ham, 239. 

Snellinge,  Anna,  81. 

Snellinge,  John,  81. 

Society,  American  Antiquarian,  at  Wor- 
cester, 21. 

Society,  Massachusetts  Historical,  commu- 
nication to,  by  Rev.  Joseph  Hunter,  28. 
Librarj'  of,  contains  twelve  of  the  old 
Winthrop  Almanacs,  31;  a  Perambu- 
lation of  Kent,  41 ;  the  Commendation 
of  Cockes  and  Cock-fighting,  43 ;  Coop- 
er's Dictionary,  180. 

Southampton,  Earl  of,  55. 

Speech  of  Sir  John  Eliot  against  tyranni- 
cal measiu-es  of  the  Crown,  261. 

Spring,  Sir  William,  Knight  for  the  Par- 
liament of  Suffolk,  223,  287.  Letter  to, 
from  John  Winthrop,  394. 

Spring,  Thomas,  the  rich  clothier,  con- 
nected with  the  Winthrops,  13. 

Stambridge,  59,  62. 

Still,  Alice,  wife  of  Adam  Winthrop  (3), 
47. 

Still,  Anne,  wife  of  Bishop  Still,  death  of, 
47. 

Still,  Bishop  John,  author  of  Gammer 
Gurton's  Needle,  24,  47. 

Stone,  Sir  William,  17. 

Stow,  Chronicle  of,  17. 

Stowe,  Survey  of,  cited  respecting  the 
mayoralty  of  John  Allen,  15. 

St.  Peter's,  birth  of  Adam  (3)  Winthrop  in 
parish  of,  18. 

Sudbury,  town  of,  1.  Registry  of  Arch- 
deaconry of,  19. 

Suffolk,  County  of,  13,  18,  19. 

Sursum  Corda,  3. 


Taylor,  Dr.,  physician  to  George  II.,  11. 
Testimony  of  John  Winthrop  to  character 

of  Mary  Forth,  67. 
Testimony  of  John  Winthrop  against  the 

immoderate  love  of  tobacco,  283. 
Thistleworth,  parish  of,  249,  253. 


450 


ESTDEX. 


Throckmorton,  Judah,  letter  from,  to  John 
Winthrop,  jun.,  274. 

Tobacco,  use  of,  abandoned  by  John  Win- 
throp, 283. 

Trumbull,  the  historian,  27. 

Tyndal,  Arthur,  lawyer  of  Lincoln's  Inn, 
124.     Letter  from,  to  Lady  Tyndal,  124. 

Tj-ndal,  Deane,  143.  Letter  from,  to  John 
Winthrop,  144. 

Tyndal,  Humphrey,  D.D.,  tradition  con- 
cerning, 126. 

Tyndal,  Lady,  46,  161,  162.  Letter  to, 
from  Arthur  Tyndalj  124. 

Tj'ndal,  Margaret,  third  wife  of  John 
Winthrop,  123,  140,  141.  Letter  to, 
from  Adam  Winthrop,  127.  Letters  to, 
from  John  Winthrop,  128-133,  135-139. 

Tyndal,  Sir  John,  Master  in  Chancery, 
123,  124,  126,  391. 

Tyndal,  William,  the  reformer,  126. 


u. 


University  Register,  omission  of  names  in, 
54. 

University,  New-England  Cambridge,  en- 
dowed by  John  Harvard,  55. 


V. 

Valence,  William  de,  2. 

Viliiers,  Duke  of  Buckingham,  123. 


w. 

Waldingfield,  Great  and  Little,  vUlages 
of,  1. 

Walton,  Izaak,  biography  of  Sir  Henry 
Wotton  by,  74. 

Ware,  Sir  James,  the  Camden  of  Ireland, 
50. 

Warren,  Judge,  203. 

Weston,  Roger,  Vicar  of  Wormingforde, 
death  of,  34. 

White,  John,  317. 

Wich,  Sir  Peter,  letter  to,  from  John  Win- 
throp, jun.,  268. 

Wigglesworth,  Edward,  discourse  on  the 
death  of  the  Hon.  John  Winthrop  by, 
23. 

Wiltshire,  Earl  of,  2. 

Windmill  invented  by  John  Winthrop, 
jun.,  for  the  benefit  of  New  England,  5. 

Winthorpe  Hall,  11. 

Winthrops,  family  tomb  of  the;  its  in- 
scription, 4.  Traditions  respecting,  5. 
Accoimted  regicides,  5.  Early  history 
of  the,  11.    Earliest  residence  of  the,  13. 

Winthrop,  Adam,  4,  11-24. 

Winthrop,  Adam  (2),  at  seventeen  years 
of  age,  binds  himself  as  an  apprentice 
for  ten  years,  14.    Is  admitted  to  liberty 


of  citizenship  in  London,  15.  Marries 
Alice  Henry,  or  Henny,  15.  Children 
of,  15.  Marries  a  second  time,  16. 
Children  of  second  marriage,  16.  Mas- 
ter of  Clothworkers'  Company,  17.  Im- 
prisonment of,  in  the  Fleet,  18.  Death 
of,  19.  Inscription  of,  on  bronze-plate, 
19.    Last  will  and  testament  of,  20. 

Winthrop,  Adam  (3),  birth  of,  18.  Father 
of  Massachusetts  Governor,  25,  52.  Ex- 
tracts from  Diary  of,  32-41,  56,  58,  59, 
62,  63,  149,  150.  Auditor  at  Trinity  and 
St.  John's  Colleges,  32.  Shows  great 
familiarity  with  books;  is  interested  in 
schools,  42.  Manuscript  commonplace 
book  of,  43.  Letters  from,  to  Amy 
Mildmay,  45,  46.  Letters  to,  fi'om  Amy 
Mildmay,  44,  45,  144.  Marries  Alice 
Still,  47.  Marries  a  second  wife,  Anne 
Brown,  47.  Letter  to,  from  Anne  Win- 
throp, 49.  Children  of,  50.  Old  Bible 
of,  53.  Letter  from,  to  Margaret  Tyn- 
dal, 127.  Record  of  wedding  nf,  140. 
The  last  writing  remaining  at  the  pre- 
sent day,  149.  Lordship  of  the  Manor 
of  Groton  assigned  to  John  Winthrop 
by,  154. 

Winthrop,  Agnes,  20. 

Winthrop,  Alice,  20. 

Winthrop,  Anna,  daughter  of  Henry 
Browne,  4. 

Winthrop,  Anna,  first  wife  of  Thomas 
Fones,  165. 

Winthrop,  Anne,  wife  of  Adam  (3)  Win- 
throp, 47,  49.  Letter  from,  to  Adam  (3) 
Winthrop,  49.  Letter  from,  to  Emanuel 
Downing,  224.  Letter  from,  to  John 
Winthrop,  280.     Death  of,  289. 

Winthrop,  Benjamin,  Governor  of  Bank 
of  England,  16. 

Winthrop,  Benjamin,  jun.,  16. 

Winthrop,  Rev.  Benjamin,  M.A.,  16. 

Winthrop,  Bridget,  wife  of  Roger  Alaba- 
ster, 47. 

Winthrop,  Deane,  birth  of,  177.  Sick  with 
small-pox,  249.    Dangerous  fall  of,  278. 

Winthrop,  Fitz-John,  the  second  Governor 
Winthrop  of  Connecticut,  12. 

Winthrop,  Forth,  176,  186,  212,  261,  234. 
Letters  from,  to  John  Winthrop,  jun., 
186-191.  Letters  from,  to  John  Win- 
throp, 230,  231,  362,  872.  Seeks  advice 
of  his  father  relative  to  his  marriage, 
362. 

Winthrop,  Henry,  247,  249,  250,  277,  334. 
Letter  to,  from  John  Winthrop,  285. 
Marriage  of,  to  Elizabeth  Fones,  289. 
Contemplates  going  to  New  England, 
334. 

Winthrop,  John,  22,  26.  Exemplification 
of  "  the  shield  and  cote  of  armes  apper- 
teyning"  to  the  name  and  ancestors  of, 
21-23. 

Winthrop,  John,  Governor  of  Massachu- 
setts, 5,  6,  8,  9,  12,  16,  31,  52,  67,  170. 
Christian  Experience  of,  55,  56,  59, 
60,  64-78, 141.    Marriage  of,  at  the  age 


INDEX. 


451 


of  seventeen.  58.  ]Marriase  ceremony 
of,  perroriiied  by  Mr.  Culverwell,  59. 
Description  of  his  courtship,  wedding, 
marriage  feast,  in  Diary  of  Adam  Win- 
throp,  59.  His  early  marriage  the  cause 
of  his  failure  to  obtain  a  degree,  59. 
Holds  his  tirst  court  in  Groton  Hall  on 
attaining  his  majority,  62.    Children  of, 

62,  63.     Death  of  Mary  Forth,  his  wife, 

63.  Testimony  of,  to  character  of  Mary 
Forth,  67.  Autograph  manuscript  of, 
63-122,  145-149,  278,  283,  304.  Mar- 
ries a  second  time,  75.  Suffers  the  loss 
of  his  wife  and  child,  76.  Oppressed 
with  melanclioly  by  his  bereavements, 
and  contemplates  taking  orders  as  a 
clerg}'man,  76.  Account  of  the  death-bed 
of  Thomasine  Clopton,  79-88.  Marries 
a  third  time,  123.  Will  of,  151-153. 
Surrender  of  a  copyhold  estate  to,  154, 
155.  Tribute  to  the  memory  of  his  fa- 
ther, 171.  Reference  to  death  of  his 
father,  179.  Obtains  appointment  as 
Attorney  in  Court  of  Wards,  215.  Ori- 
ginal draughts  of  bills  to  be  introduced 
into  Parliament,  221-223.  Farting 
advice  to  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  241. 
Contemplates  a  change  of  residence, 
249.  Autograph  volume  of,  262.  Ex- 
periences a  severe  illness,  279.  Aban- 
dons the  use  of  tobacco,  283.  Loses 
his  office,  301.  Decides  for  New  Eng- 
land, 305.  General  Conclusions  by, 
regarding  the  Plantation  in  New 
England,  326.  Particular  Considera- 
tions in  the  case  of,  327.  One  of  the 
twelve  who  sign  an  agreement  for  em- 
barking for  New  England,  328.  Occu- 
pied in  ser\'ice  of  Massachusetts  Com- 
pany, 333.  Chosen  Governor  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Company,  340.  Name  ap- 
pears for  the  first  time  on  the  Kecords 
of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England, 
347.  Estimation  in  which  he  is  held 
by  the  Massachusetts  colonists,  349. 
Invites  the  co-operation  of  Puritan  min- 
isters of  England,  353.  His  letters  be- 
token the  pressure  of  business  on  his 
time,  and  the  heavier  pressure  of  care 
and  sorrow  on  his  heart,  369.  His 
movements  taken  cognizance  of  by 
custom-house  officers  of  Old  England, 
372.  His  final  departure  from  the  old 
homestead,  377.  Embarks  for  New 
England,  377.  Agreement  between 
himself  and  wife,  378.  Encounters 
tempestuous  -weather,  392.  Styles 
George  Wither  "  oiu:  modern  spirit  of 
poetrv,"  396.  His  fortunes  indissolubly 
linked  with  the  New  World,  400.  His 
influence  upon  the  rise  and  progress  of 
American  institutions  second  to  that  of 
no  other  man  of  his  dav,  400.  Letters 
from,  to  Margaret  Tj-ndal,  128-133, 
135-139.  To  Margaret  Winthrop,  159- 
168,  193-197,   199,  200,  226,  22s,  233, 


235,  279,  282,  289,  291,  293,  295-303, 
334,  336,  338-340,  355,  357,  364-367, 
370,  373-376,  378,  380-385,387-391. 
To  Thomas  Fones,  165.  To  John  Win- 
throp, jun.,  172-185,204-213,242,249- 
253,  258,  265,  335,  386,  392.  To  Henry 
Winthrop,  285.  To  Priscilla  Fones,  287. 
To  William  Gager,  355.  To  Sir  Wil- 
liam Springe,  394.  Letters  to,  from 
Rev.  Ezekiel  Culverivell,  142,  143. 
From  Deane  Tyndal,  144.  From  Rev. 
Henrv  Sands, "  169.  From  Margaret 
Winthrop,  198,  226-229,  232,  234,  246, 
247,  254,  260,  281,  292,  295,  299,  337, 
356,  358,  371,  374.  From  John  Win- 
throp, jun.,  214,  243,  257,  259,  263,  266, 
275,  276,  306,  334,  367.  From  John 
Bowen,  215.  From  Brampton  Gurdon, 
220.  From  Forth  Winthrop,  230,  231, 
362,  372.  From  Joshua  Downing,  236, 
237. 
Winthrop,  John,  jun.,  Governor  of  Con- 
necticut, 5,  20,  31,  67,  170.  Sent  to 
England  to  obtain  the  charter  of  Con- 
necticut, 27.  Anecdote  respecting  the 
negotiation,  27.  Heir  of  all  his  father's 
talents,  prudence,  and  virtues,  62.  Pre- 
pared for  college  at  Free  Grammar 
School  at  Bury,  170.  Student  at  Tri- 
nity College,  170.  Engaged  in  study  of 
law,  203.  Admitted  to  the  Inner  Tem- 
ple, 203.  Enters  naval  service  under 
Duke  of  Buckingham,  238.  Account 
of  the  expedition  to  the  Isle  of  Rhe, 
244.  Sends  a  prescription  for  his  fa- 
ther's hand,  257.  Departs  on  an  Oriental 
tour,  263.  At  Leghorn,  263.  Arrives 
at  Constantinople,  266.  Leaves  Con- 
stantinople for  Venice,  268.  Detained 
in  "the  purgator}'  of  the  Lazaretto," 

270.  By  remaining  at  Constantinople, 
might  have  had  an  opportunity  of  visit- 
ing Jerusalem,  271.     Arrives  at  Venice, 

271.  Reaches  Amsterdam,  275.  Arrives 
at  London:  there  learns  of  the  death 
of  his  grandfather  and  of  his  Uncle 
Fones,  276.  Approves  his  father's  de- 
cision regarding  New  England,  306, 
307.  Makes  a  perfect  plot  of  a  fort 
near  Colchester,  367.  Letters  from, 
to  John  Winthrop,  214,  243,  257, 
259,  263,  266,  275,  276,  306,  334, 
367.  To  Sir  Peter  Wich,  268.  To 
John  Freeman,  269,  272,  273.  To 
Emanuel  Do^vning.  271.  Letters  to, 
fi-om  John  Winthrop,  172-185,  204-213, 
242,  249-253,  258,  265,  335,  386,  392. 
From  Forth  Winthrop,  186-191.  From 
John  Freeman,  270.  From  Judah 
Throckmorton,  274. 

Winthrop,  Luce,  153,  162. 

Winthrop,  Lucy,  wife  of  Emanuel  Down- 
ing. 50,  166,  186. 

Winthrop,  Margaret,  145.  Letters  to, 
from  John  Winthrop,  159-168,  193-197, 
199,  200,  226,  228,  233.  2-35,  279,  282, 
289,  291,  293,  205-303,  334,  336,  338- 


452 


ESDEX. 


340,  3o5,  357,  364-337,  370,  373-376, 
378,  380-385,  387-391.  Letters  from,  to 
J..lm  Winthrop,  198,  226-229,  232,  234, 
246,  247,  254,  260,  281,  292,  295,  299, 
337,  356,  358,  371,  374.  Makes  a  wintr}' 
journey  to  London,  280. 

Winthrop,  Mary,  wife  of  Rev.  Samuel 
Dudley,  63,  199,  26 L 

Winthrop,  Major  Theodore,  descendant 
of  John  Winthrop,  jun.,  27.  Name  of 
John  Brent  made  familiar  by,  218. 

Winthrop,  orthography,  etymology,  and 
signification  of  the  name,  10,  11,  13. 

Winthrop,  Samuel,  246,  249,  261. 

Winthrop,  Stephen  of  Bandon,  16. 

Winthrop,  Stephen,  145,  278.  281. 

Winthrop,  village  of,  11. 


Winthrop,  Wait  Still,  Chief-Justice  of 
the  Superior  Court  of  Massachusetts,  12. 

Winthrop,  William,  26. 

Wither,  George,  styled  by  John  Win- 
throp "our  modern  spirit  of  poetrv," 
396. 

Wotton,  Sir  Henry,  74. 

Wright,  Dr.,  283. 

Wyntrope,  Adam,  17. 


Y. 

Young,  Sir  Charles  George,  Garter  King 

at  Arms,  59. 
Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  336. 


